Christian Patriotism

With the election only days away, candidates are pulling out all the stops in their efforts to get elected. Mixed messages have saturated the airways making it difficult to know what is true.

News today probably contained the most blatant example of this, especially as it pertains to the faith of opposing candidates.





Tremendous appeals to voting for Christian candidates are being made, while others are having their faith questioned and attacked. Pastors are being accused of "not doing enough" to promote candidates, while others alienate half the population by politicizing the pulpit.

An easy question to overlook, but an important one for Christians to ask, is "What does the Bible actually say about how we are to respond to our appointed leaders?"

To be clear about this, and then to proactively respond to this, is imporant (but often lost in the emotion of our differences).

Take a look at these key passages of Scripture:

Titus 3:1-2 1Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, 2to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men.

Romans 13:1-7 1Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. 4For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. 5Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. 6This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing. 7Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.

1 Peter 2:13-17 13Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, 14or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. 15For it is God's will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men. 16Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God. 17Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king.

1 Timothy 2:1-4 1I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— 2for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.

These were written during a time when horrible governmental injustices were taking place. It seems to me as though the New Testament Christians had their focus on another citizenship - one that transcended their current political situation.

Without going further in my commentary, I provide you with these Biblical references as points of reflection and consideration as you navigate your way through the current political turmoil. I believe it will help you be a better witness during these emotional days. I also encourage you to prayerfully, carefully and informatively vote!