In 2 Corinthians 6:1-2, Paul reminds us that we are in partnership with God, working together to advance His kingdom, values, love, and truth in our culture. "Working together with him, then, we appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain. For he says,
'In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you.'
Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation."
This partnership calls us to pray and ask God to move in our land, showing up in ways that bring Him glory. But we must also partner with Him to bring healing to our nation.
The problem that many face is that we haven't listened to Roman 12:2’s instruction:
Do not conform to the pattern of this world…Â
In an NFL game there are not just two teams on the field, but three. There are two opposing football teams at every game, but there is also a team of officials who try to bring order to what is often chaos. Too many born-again believers get caught up on which team they are on, Republican or Democrat; they forget that they aren’t supposed to be on either team.Â
As born-again believers, we are on the team of officials. The officials are defined as being separate from either team playing the game. Good, honest officials don’t favor either team but remain independent and dependent on the rulebook that governs all the teams. They are dependent and loyal not to either of the football teams on the field but to their boss at 345 Park Avenue, New York. As born-again believers, we shouldn’t belong to either party because we already belong to another Kingdom. In the context of politics, this means not getting caught up in partisan divides. We should be independent and loyal only to God's rule book, the Bible. Our allegiance is to another Kingdom and another King.
Romans 13:1 says:
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 tells us to be subject to governing authorities, as they are instituted by God. This does not mean blind allegiance but rather a recognition that all governments should submit to God's kingship. Our role as believers is to bring God's kingdom into our government through prayer and action.
1 Peter 2:13-17 further emphasizes our responsibility to submit to human institutions for the Lord's sake, even when those institutions are flawed.
Be subject for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.
Peter wrote this at the beginning of a time of intense persecution under Emperor Nero, yet he still called for submission and respect for authority. This teaches us that our ultimate trust should be in God, not in human leaders. God is on the throne, God is in control, and Daniel 2:21 tells us that:
He changes times and seasons; he deposes kings and raises up others.Â
Paul instructs us in 1 Timothy 2:1-2, …that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This helps us see our leaders in light of the gospel and creates the best situation for God's people to flourish. Praying for those we disagree with changes our hearts and helps us seek God's wisdom for our leaders.
James 1:17 reminds us that every good and perfect gift is from above. This perspective helps us be grateful even in challenging times, acknowledging God's goodness in our lives.
Something To Think About
As we move out of this election season, we need to continue to focus on prayer and unity. Here are some practical steps:
Pray for Our Nation: Spend intentional time praying for our country, its leaders, and the future of our nation
Seek Unity: Pray for unity within our nation and the church, asking God to heal divisions.
Stand for Kingdom Values: Reflect on the five Kingdom values we have discussed (Religious Liberty, Border Security, Biological Sex, Family, and Life) and consider how you can uphold them in your life and community.
Questions For Self-Reflection
How can I engage in politics without compromising my allegiance to God's kingdom
What steps can I take to pray more intentionally for our leaders and nation?
How can I promote unity and understanding in my community during this divisive time?
By focusing on prayer, unity, and kingdom values, we can navigate life on the other side of this election season with grace and faithfulness to God's word. Let's commit to being agents of change, rooted in Scripture and dedicated to representing God's truth in our culture. Watch the full message here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xf6UqyEOulM&t=2s
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