What about God and politics?

Last night, two weeks before our national election, party leaders were in a televised debate. As they put forth their ideas and challenged the ideas of the others, I could not help but think of them in biblical terms.

First of all, I know that God is in charge of who gets voted in. He has His reasons, many times unknown to us.

He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding. (Daniel 2:21)

That said, what about this debate? Did anyone ‘win’ it? I don’t think so. Their various platforms and ideologies have both merit and terrible flaws. Instead of trying to figure that out, I wondered about the people themselves. Are they wise? Do they have understanding and are willing to seek wisdom? Are they willing to put aside their priorities for something better suited to the needs in our country?

Today’s passage asks the vital questions and puts out a criterion for political leaders as well as for me when I cast my vote and when I do anything else for that matter.

Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. (James 3:13–18)

One leader showed a hint of meekness. All of them showed ambition and boasted. At least one was ‘false to the truth’ and all of them were disorderly. Gentleness and open to reason were rare if even present. And while they all seemed sincere, no one passed the impartial test.

Most people say that politics and religion should not be mixed. Some might quote Jesus, who when questioned by the Jews about paying taxes to Rome, said:

“Show me the coin for the tax.” And they brought him a denarius. And Jesus said to them, “Whose likeness and inscription is this?” They said, “Caesar’s.” Then he said to them, “Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” (Matthew 22:19–21)

However, Christians have a political responsibility. I am to pray for our leaders, not gripe about them (see 1 Timothy 2) and I am supposed to respect and obey them:

Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. (Romans 13:1)

God puts them in place and while I might disagree with their way of doing things, I’m to trust God because His plan is His plan and He knows what He is doing.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Lord Jesus, You are in charge. The Old Testament has years of Your people enduring bad leadership. The world seems full of corrupt leaders, all with ambitions for power and wealth. All of what is going on reminds me of the folly of trusting any person to righteously govern a sin-sick world. We need You, the only One who knows what to do with all our squabbling and selfishness, and with all the issues and problems we have created for ourselves. I long for You to return and rule. In the meantime, help me to trust You with whatever happens in our country and with the elections. You will keep Your promises and eventually make sense of all of it, even the nonsense of these political debates.

Today’s thankful list . . .

The Lord is sovereign, not the people with political clout.

God makes His wisdom available for those who ask for it.

An easy day, cold outside but warm in our home.

The smell of fresh baked bread.

Thanksgiving turkeys on sale.

Pumpkin and gingerbread.

Quilt projects nearly finished.