Most recently, the news is full of Politicians. (Insinuation not intended there, but I’ll let it slide for humors sake). With the presidential race in full swing, we must ask ourselves what does the Bible say about politics?

That means our current leaders, our could be leaders, and our would be leaders.

“I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.” -‭‭1 Timothy‬ ‭2:1-2‬

“Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished.” -‭‭Romans‬ ‭13:1-2‬ 

The people perish for a lack of knowledge.

Hosea 4:6 says; “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge; because you [the priestly nation] have rejected knowledge, I will also reject you that you shall be no priest to Me; seeing you have forgotten the law of your God, I will also forget your children.” 

Can we get real for a minute and admit that there are some verses in the Bible that are just downright scary? This is one of them. A solid “kick in the pants” if you will, reminding us that Ignorance has no place in the church.

We have to talk about taxes because Jesus talked about taxes.

“Now tell us what you think about this: Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?” But Jesus knew their evil motives. “You hypocrites!” he said. “Why are you trying to trap me? Here, show me the coin used for the tax.” When they handed him a Roman coin, he asked, “Whose picture and title are stamped on it?” “Caesar’s,” they replied. “Well, then,” he said, “give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God.” -‭Matthew‬ ‭22:17-21‬  

Notice, Jesus intentionally mentions along with the subject of taxes the subject of tithing as well. This may be another article for another time, but remembering that we serve God first and foremost with our finances, and with our lives helps to keep our Perspective straight when it comes to politics, but more on that later. Speaking of tithing though…

“Give generously to the poor, not grudgingly, for the LORD your God will bless you in everything you do.” -Deuteronomy ‭15:10‬ 

It’s obvious to any believer that has spent any amount of time in the Word that we are called to help the poor. The bible references this calling more times than I can count, the Old Testament talks about it, Jesus talks about it. I believe as a church we have lost sight of this calling. Sure, we all have our little programs and outreaches, but what would the world look like if as a church, we expected that WE have the responsibility of caring for the poor, the orphans, and the widows, and not the government?

A friend of mine shared a great article on the subject of tithing with these thoughts on her Facebook page a few weeks ago; “Our government was not created to operate in generosity. The church, however, has been commanded from it’s conception to give freely. It’s not “compassionate” or “dutiful” to legislate benevolence, and use tax dollars to do it. If someone is REALLY concerned about the poverty around them, they should be moved to give of themselves, as Jesus taught. He never once volunteered Caesar to be the people’s savior.

Tithing is a Biblical principal, and here’s the thing- God had the foresight to know how unbalanced and unfair the world could become when there is sin and greed, and even then he wanted us to be part of his plan for restoration and recovery in society. If you want to be an agent for good in the world, be planted in a local church that practices outrageous generosity and participate in it. It won’t just change the lives of others, but it will ultimately change yours.” – Liz Wagner

“But there’s far more to life for us. We’re citizens of high heaven! We’re waiting the arrival of the Savior, the Master, Jesus Christ, who will transform our earthy bodies into glorious bodies like his own. He’ll make us beautiful and whole with the same powerful skill by which he is putting everything as it should be, under and around him.” – ‭‭Philippians ‭3:20-21‬ ‭

This earth can be trying, we will have trials and tribulations, Jesus promised that, but Oh what a glorious home we have awaiting us. Remind yourself you are in this world but you are not of it (John 17:16). If you catch yourself getting comfortable in this world, get back in the word and remind yourself of your Heavenly citizenship.

“Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.”

‭‭2 Chronicles‬ ‭7:14‬ ‭ 

This verse perhaps, after all is said and done, is the most important. My prayer is for prayer warriors to arise for our Land. For our leaders. For our people. I am currently reading the book “Circle Makers” by Mark Batterson. I am only on chapter four and it is already challenging my prayer life ferociously. In the book Mark says “The greatest tragedy in life is the prayers that go unanswered because they go unasked”. Let’s begin to circle this political race in fervent prayer. It is surely worth the time, and according to 2 Chronicles 7 God will honor it.

In closing, may we remember that our faith is in God and God alone. It is easy to get caught up in the worry of tomorrow, the worry of what may happen to our country or to our families depending on who is elected, but God is our source. God is for us. And God is not a man that He should lie (Numbers 23:13). Jesus promised that he would Build His Church and that the gates of hell would not prevail against it. (Matthew 16:18) Let’s be His hands, His feet, and let’s help build this thing.

Learning with you,

Angela Smith