Perspective on Politics

Political campaigns have a way of becoming all-consuming. So much so you would think they are the most important thing on earth. No doubt this election will have big implications, but it needs to be kept in perspective.

Let’s face it, our culture has been in the midst of huge changes aside from politics, and another election in itself won’t change that. Also – and more significantly – God’s hands will not be tied by the outcome of any election. His work will continue on.

With that in mind, I offer the following points to remember as this election season reaches its climax.

First, God will raise up to office those He wants to be there. He is the One who removes kings and raises them up (Dan.2:21). We may have other preferences when it comes to whom God chooses, but He is the One who ordains who rules over us. And, typically, the one He does ordain tends to reflect the character of the people. So, if we want better rulers, we must begin with ourselves.

Second, the well-being of God’s kingdom does not depend on who is in office. The fact that Pharaoh and Herod were under God’s power assures us that the plan He has for His kingdom cannot be thwarted in this world. For this reason, the kingdom of God has advanced in all forms of political environments, whether they be republics, democracies, monarchies, or tyrannies. As Jesus said, “I will build my church, and the gates of hell will not prevail against it” (Mt.16:18). These words remain true today.

Third, salvation is not by politics, but by the Lord. As faith has waned in our culture, greater expectations have been placed on the civil government to assure that we are provided for and secure no matter how much we violate God’s principles. The last months especially have brought the government’s ability to fulfill these expectations into question. And this is actually a good thing if we use the opportunity to turn back to the Lord, because our hope as a nation is not in politics, but repentance. “Righteousness exalts a nation; but sin is a reproach to any people” (Pr.14:34).

Fourth, your responsibilities will remain essentially the same no matter what the outcome of this election. However things turn out on November 4th, you’ll still have to provide for your family, train up your children, rake the leaves, and walk the dog. And it’s on these duties your attention is to be fixed. When individuals and households seek to fulfill the responsibilities that God gives them, the character of that culture improves. With it comes less dependence on the state and a greater dependence on the Lord who gives all good things to those who trust Him (Jas.1:17).

Bottom line: our politicians will never be able to solve what are really issues of character, so we better turn back to the Lord soon.

About these ads