“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
“This world has turned mad… I don’t understand anymore.” A coworker friend of mine expressed his frustrations about the world events, geopolitics, and the upcoming U.S. elections. “Things have changed so much. It seemed that nothing is reliable. Everything we hear on the news has two sides. I never know which one to believe.” Is the Red Party right? Is the Blue Party right?
Even among Christians, these discussions will incite a spontaneous debate, if not an outright argument. Some believe abortion is the preeminent issue; others think that social equality is the issue. Christians advocate for Supreme Court compositions that will protect their rights and preserve their religious freedoms. In the meantime, we compromise and accept corrupt and sinful behaviors of every politician who is a fallen creature like us. Who’s right?
Can a Christian have political views outside the considerations of our faith? The answer is NO, we cannot. Although the government and laws of this country protect our right to hold personal political beliefs and to exercise our right to vote, our first and only allegiance belongs with God and God alone.
As Christians, we need to remember that Jesus is the only truth that leads to life. Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6) This means that no government, leader, political economic policy, or victory from wars can save us. Only God can. The Great Commandment and the Great Commission call us to love God and our neighbors and proclaim the gospel by living lives that give clear evidence to the gospel’s transforming power.
Our faith as Christians is the belief that God’s will permeates and supersedes every aspect of life in the past, present, and future. God’s will is sovereign over history. What He has purposed, He will bring to pass. Although governments, war, and world events can cause temporary calamity, ultimately history and the world will proceed according to His Word and His will. Politics, conflicts, and governments are merely instruments that God uses to accomplish His plans.
Our hope for change is not founded in the ruling class of this country. We would be deceived if we think we can rest our hope on cultural morality or certain candidates. While we should exercise our right to vote as citizens of this country, our mission lies through changing the hearts of the people in this world through the Word of God. May God grant us the right perspectives during this time of uncertainty.