DOES POLITICAL POWER STEM FROM THE HEARTS OF THE PEOPLE?
“A country is only as good as its government!”
This has become a mantra of the modern world. In countries found in South America, Africa or the Middle East, it seems to be a true statement.
We’ve seen that without steadfast governing authority, a country can be thrown into political unrest, often leading to revolution. Unfortunately, for many of these countries, revolution very rarely leads to more than further pain and sorrow.
Why is that?
The belief is that when the people have a voice, and take part in the elected political office, some sense of order is feasible. However, we have witnessed many countries who have elected their leaders, then soon after, the people turn on those very leaders.
Sure, it’s often lived out more violently in the above mentioned regions, but it seems to be a global problem.
What about the Western world?
In years past, very few of us would see violently overthrowing political powers as a beneficial concept. Most of us simply shrugged our shoulders, complained a bit and waited for the next election; hoping for a better leader.
It feels like this is changing.
The language has changed in the past 10 years regarding political leaders in North America and Europe. It sounds more intense, almost vicious. And I’m concerned. I think we should all be concerned.
Don’t get me wrong! I’m not saying I like everything that our Western governments are up to these days. In fact, I dislike a lot of it. However, as a Follower of Christ, I have to keep an important word in the forefront of my mind and vocabulary:
Submission
I believe a submissive approach to government is the Biblical model. I believe it’s the faith-filled position, allowing God’s sovereignty to supersede my personal opinions.
“So you want to be a doormat for the government!”
Nope, in fact everything inside of me calls for the exact opposite! And that’s what scares me!
It doesn’t feel like the Spirit is leading those thoughts and emotions. It feels like the flesh, calling out for revolution; that I deserve better, that my worldview is the best option and should be followed to the letter.
That scares me.
Alternately, by keeping clear perspectives and not taking matters into our own hands, we leave room for God to move within the people and our leaders.
It’s not really about believing in a political system, it’s about believing that God is ultimately overseeing that system. A movement against the system would be a slippery slope towards a movement against God’s oversight.
Instead of overthrowing any governing authority, would it not be better to pray fervently and vote wisely?
Looking for further study on a Biblical perspective of government? Take a few moments to check out some older posts, all related to God’s Governing Authorities.
