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REFLECTIONS: A perspective on leaders

In eleven days, we all have the opportunity to vote. Did I just hear a collective sigh or was it a groan? I can certainly understand reasons for those responses. It’s been a challenging year.

I’m not going to tell you how to vote or discuss any of the issues that have been dredged up during these campaigns. What I do want to do here is to remind us of our biblical directives concerning our government and its leaders. What are we commanded to do for authorities? Do we have to obey them? What promises are we given if we do what the Bible says?

One thing we are commanded to do is pray for our government leaders. “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.” (I Timothy 2: 1-2) This describes some pretty in-depth intercession for those in high positions.

Do we have to obey our leaders? The answer is “yes” and “no.” It is “yes” because of this. “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. Therefore, whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment.” (Romans 13: 1-2) This verse says that our government leaders are there because God has a purpose for their presence in that role for that season. If we resist them, we are resisting God and will incur judgment! However, I can also say “no” because if an earthly authority asks us to do something directly against God’s commands, then we must do what God says first. A classic example is seen in the life of Daniel. In Daniel Chapter 6, through the encouragement of people who did not like Daniel, the king made an edict that everyone was to bow down to, pray to and worship only the king. After the edict was issued, Daniel went to his room, as he was accustomed to doing, and prayed to God instead of to the king. Daniel obeyed God’s command, “You shall have no other gods before me” (Deuteronomy 5:7) rather than the king’s edict. Even though Daniel was thrown into a lion’s den, God blessed Daniel for his obedience. I believe that the only time we are allowed to disobey governmental laws is if they are in direct contradiction to God’s commands. We need discernment.

Just as Daniel experienced God’s blessing of sparing his life, God will bless us for our obedience in prayer. We see that in the second part of the I Timothy passage above where we are told to pray so that we can live a peaceful, quiet life, godly and dignified in every way! I like the sound of those promises!

According to these scriptural directives, I believe that we need to spend less time complaining about our candidates and more time praying for them. While I am also befuddled about the current state of governmental affairs, leaders and candidates, I also know that whatever happens, God is still in control. We are not powerful enough to destroy God’s plans! “For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.” (1 Corinthians 1:25)

Let’s commit to obediently pray more fervently for our leaders and candidates.

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