Our political climate in this country has been very unsettled, and at times, even volatile over the past several months. The result of the presidential election and political shift that has taken place has surprised many, and I think it is fair to say, it has been controversial. It is obvious that it has brought great emotion on all sides of the aisle.
Some have wondered why the pastors or the church hasn’t made a statement on this, or preached a sermon, or taken a stand one way or the other regarding what has and is taking place in our country. There are some practical reasons: 1) Whatever I or we did or not do, we would be “damned if you do and damned if you don’t;” 2) it could be divisive instead of helpful; and 3) in our church bylaws the church and leaders are forbidden to “carry on propaganda or influence” regarding politicians or politics.
Now, it is also true, that if civil authority would ask or demand the leaders or the church to do or say anything that is contrary to the Word of God, then we are obligated by Scripture and our Lord Jesus to refuse and speak up. This church has taken stands on legislation or laws that are in direct conflict with the Word of God.
There was an often-used phrase a couple of decades ago: “What would Jesus do?” (WWJD) I think the better question to ask in this politically unsettled time is, “What DID Jesus do?” It may come as a surprise to many, but Jesus did not involve Himself in the politics of His day. Even though He had a strong interest in government, He chose not to become involved in any of the political factions of the day.
Christ had good reason to remain apart from politics. When He was on trial before Pontius Pilate, He was asked, “Are you the King of the Jews?” To which Jesus replied, “My kingdom is not of this world.” (John 18) Even though Jesus was born to be a king, He told Pilate He wasn’t involved in the politics of that age. He also told His disciples, and us that while “we are in the world, but not of the world,” just as He was not from the world. (John 17)
Even though Jesus did not involve Himself in the politics of His day, He did teach His disciples to respect governmental authorities. Paul speaks of this when writing to the Romans, “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established…Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience.” (Romans 13:1-5 NIV) God uses governments, good and bad, to accomplish His will.
Tomorrow will come. Tomorrow will go. Your life and mine might not be discernably different, at least for now. But like it or not, change will occur. Some change will be good, some not. It’s not simple to lead what is arguably the most powerful country in the world. The best suggestion I can offer today is that we hold our new leaders and our country in our prayers. Here’s one suggestion from Lutheran Service Book’s Prayer for Responsible Citizenship:
“Lord, keep this nation under your care. Bless the leaders of our land that we may be a people at peace among ourselves and a blessing to the other nations of the earth. Grant that we may choose trustworthy leaders, contribute wise decisions for the general welfare, and serve you faithfully in our generation, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.”
Connecting People to Jesus,
- Pastor Jon
(Newsletter article from Pastor Jon continues in our monthly newsletter)
