Wednesday, November 5, 2014

WHAT GOD SAYS ABOUT POLITICAL OFFICES

Yesterday in Nevada we voted for several different offices. They included a representative for the US Congress in Washington D.C., the State Governor, State Treasurer, Sheriff and 30 different judges. These people make decisions every day that affect us and most of us aren’t even aware of what they’re doing, that is, until it becomes personal.

I will probably never be in the presence of any of the 30 judges I voted for, but if I am, or if any of my friends or family had to go before one of these judges, I would want them to be ethical, compassionate and fair, wouldn’t you? Of course you would. And what about the top sheriff? And the guy who decides what our money is going to be used for? These are important decisions and if you’re like me, you probably don’t really know much about these people, what they really think, how they act at home, how they treat their kids, etc.

For some elections I tried to find out as much as I could about the people I voted for. But in some cases I really didn’t find out very much. And honestly I’m not going to take the time during the year to keep up with how 30 different judges are acting. If you are anything like me, you’ll want to know what we can do to get the best people in office.

Yes, researching the people is important and since they make decisions that affect us, we should try to do as much as we can to find out about these people. But equally important is what the Bible says to do.

Paul tells Timothy, “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men.” Then he goes on to include political figures: “For kings, and for all that are in authority.” Then he gives us the reason: “That we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour” (2 Tim 2:1-3).

God’s not just talking about praying, “God bless the politicians. Amen.” We need to think a little deeper concerning what to pray about. We can pray that God influence them to make right decisions even if not popular; that they have good people around them to help them; that they receive insight and wisdom from Godly sources; that they stay meek to learn; that they’re inspired to think more about the people than their paychecks.   

These are just some things that come to mind. When we take the time to pray, the Holy Spirit will show us more things to pray for. Also we have our personal prayer language of speaking in tongues when we don’t know what to pray for (see Romans 8:26).

If we will pray in some of the ways I’ve suggested, for those in political positions of authority, God will answer our prayers. Like it says in 2 Timothy, He wants us to be able to lead a quiet and peaceable life in godliness and honesty and He told us His way to do it: Pray.

Love, Carolyn

No comments:

Post a Comment