“The Bible says we are to ‘respect and obey’ our leaders…
How do we do that when our elected government officials are not someone I remotely respect?”
The word of God gives us some general guidelines about our relationship with government or national matters. First, we must be noted for obeying those in authority. "Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. There is no authority except from God, and the existing authorities are appointed by God. Therefore, whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves." (Rom 13:1-2).
"Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men" (Tit 3:1-2). "Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; Or unto governors, as unto them that he sends for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well" (1 Pet 2:13-14).
Suppose the government should require something of us that conflicts with God's will. In that case, we are to remember that "we ought to obey God rather than men" (Acts 5:29). Thus, Daniel refused to obey the king's commandment to cease praying to God (Dan 6:12). Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednigo declined to obey the king's demand that they bow down before an idol (Dan 3:18).
Second, we are to pray for those who are in authority to be able to lead a quiet and peaceable life in a godly and honest manner. "I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty" (1 Tim 2:1-2).
Third, we should pray for the peace of the place where we live. This principle was given to Israel when they were carried away into captivity. Away from their homeland and under oppression, the Lord told them, "And seek the peace of the city whither I have caused you to be carried away captives, and pray unto the LORD for it: for in the peace thereof shall ye have peace" (Jeer 29:7). This blends well with the passage in First Timothy that is cited above.
As to other purely national interests, such as dealing with immigrants, this is different from the work of those in Christ Jesus. Nations, as well as individuals, are to be noted for hospitality, not hostility, toward those who are from other areas. Jerusalem received the wise men from the East when Jesus was born (Matt 2:1-7). Egypt received Jacob, his sons, and their households during a famine in Israel (Exodus 1:5). Egypt also received Joseph, Mary, and the holy child Jesus when fleeing Herod (Matt 2:13-15).
Following the interpretation of his dreams, Pharaoh welcomed young Joseph to Egypt, making him the second ruler of the land (Gen 41:43-44). Nebuchadnezzar, Belshazzar, Cyrus, and Darius honored Jewish Daniel in their empires (Dan 3:48; 5:29; 6:28). God instructed Israel to welcome the stranger into their land, not vexing or troubling them (Ex 22:21; 23:9). However, this was to be accomplished within the laws of the land.
It is helpful to remember that while we are citizens of America, that is not our primary citizenship. Those in Christ are fundamentally "citizens of heaven" (Phil 3:20). As your concern for national interests increases, Jesus will begin to recede into the background of your thinking. You should not allow such things to become a distraction but ask the Lord to give you insight, peace, and firm hope amid these concerns. He will answer your prayer!
Dick Moser
October 14th, 2024
How do we do that when our elected government officials are not someone I remotely respect?”
The word of God gives us some general guidelines about our relationship with government or national matters. First, we must be noted for obeying those in authority. "Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. There is no authority except from God, and the existing authorities are appointed by God. Therefore, whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves." (Rom 13:1-2).
"Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men" (Tit 3:1-2). "Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; Or unto governors, as unto them that he sends for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well" (1 Pet 2:13-14).
Suppose the government should require something of us that conflicts with God's will. In that case, we are to remember that "we ought to obey God rather than men" (Acts 5:29). Thus, Daniel refused to obey the king's commandment to cease praying to God (Dan 6:12). Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednigo declined to obey the king's demand that they bow down before an idol (Dan 3:18).
Second, we are to pray for those who are in authority to be able to lead a quiet and peaceable life in a godly and honest manner. "I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty" (1 Tim 2:1-2).
Third, we should pray for the peace of the place where we live. This principle was given to Israel when they were carried away into captivity. Away from their homeland and under oppression, the Lord told them, "And seek the peace of the city whither I have caused you to be carried away captives, and pray unto the LORD for it: for in the peace thereof shall ye have peace" (Jeer 29:7). This blends well with the passage in First Timothy that is cited above.
As to other purely national interests, such as dealing with immigrants, this is different from the work of those in Christ Jesus. Nations, as well as individuals, are to be noted for hospitality, not hostility, toward those who are from other areas. Jerusalem received the wise men from the East when Jesus was born (Matt 2:1-7). Egypt received Jacob, his sons, and their households during a famine in Israel (Exodus 1:5). Egypt also received Joseph, Mary, and the holy child Jesus when fleeing Herod (Matt 2:13-15).
Following the interpretation of his dreams, Pharaoh welcomed young Joseph to Egypt, making him the second ruler of the land (Gen 41:43-44). Nebuchadnezzar, Belshazzar, Cyrus, and Darius honored Jewish Daniel in their empires (Dan 3:48; 5:29; 6:28). God instructed Israel to welcome the stranger into their land, not vexing or troubling them (Ex 22:21; 23:9). However, this was to be accomplished within the laws of the land.
It is helpful to remember that while we are citizens of America, that is not our primary citizenship. Those in Christ are fundamentally "citizens of heaven" (Phil 3:20). As your concern for national interests increases, Jesus will begin to recede into the background of your thinking. You should not allow such things to become a distraction but ask the Lord to give you insight, peace, and firm hope amid these concerns. He will answer your prayer!
Dick Moser
October 14th, 2024
