Pastor Chris Pitts holds a B.S degree in Political Science from Utah State University ('07) and has a lifelong interest in government and the political process. As a pastor in our church, he desires to help us think truth about the intersection of our Christianity and our country.
Like many in our church, I have been wrestling with how to respond to our political situation. The latest election has left you unsettled (and not only because it still is unsettled). Some assert Christians shouldn’t be concerned with politics. They argue politics don’t matter and have nothing to do with the Great Commission or the life of the church. They conclude we should only be concerned with the “spiritual.” However, the Scriptures show us that culture, society, and political institutions matter. If they didn’t, God would be silent on these areas. At the same time, we know this world is not our final destination. Our destiny is settled while we live in an unsettling time. How then should we respond to our situation?
Our Situation is Lamentable
Living in a cursed world is sorrowful, dissatisfying, and difficult. We lament our condition. Some suggest a Christian should never moan or lament; however, the act of lamenting has a strong presence in the Psalms (e.g., Psalms 6, 13, and 80). Jesus himself lamented over Jerusalem (Matthew 23:37-39). Why do we lament the state of our nation?
First, we groan at the presence of those who do not lead with integrity (Proverbs 29:2). When we are subjected to poor leadership, our lives, communities, and nation suffer. Isaiah bemoaned that leadership in his country called evil good and good evil (Isaiah 5:20). His woe grew from the distress on the people and the resulting judgment that comes from unrighteous leadership.
Second, we lament our situation because we recognize the increasing depravity of our culture (Psalm 14:2-3). Depraved and declining cultures make unrighteous government possible. John Adams, signer of the Declaration of Independence and our second president, recognized the connection between culture and government. Adams said, “Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.”
We recognize and are thankful that God restrains His judgment against humanity, but such restraint has its limits (Romans 1:24-25). We lament the fact our society is reaping what it has sown bringing judgment upon us all.
Our Situation Requires Prayer
If you follow the pattern of the biblical laments, you will find the writers do not stay in their sorrow. They recognize the need to pray for God’s intervention (Psalm 64:2). Left to ourselves, we are not capable to bring about meaningful change. Our situation requires prayer that petitions our Father to accomplish that which pleases Him. How should we pray for our nation?
We need to pray that God will direct the hearts of our leaders as it pleases Him (Proverbs 21:1), and that they will fulfill their responsibilities in keeping with God’s design for government (Romans 13:1-4). Our hope is authorities will promote a society of freedom that facilitates fulfillment of the cultural mandate (Genesis 1:28) and does not inhibit worship (1 Timothy 2:2).
Our prayers are also for the salvation of political leaders (1 Timothy 2:4). We desire to see God’s grace manifested in the life of all people including our leaders. God help us to put off any animosity when we have been the recipients of such grace. Let us seek to do good, even more so, to those with whom we disagree (1 Peter 3:9).
Last, we should pray for God’s common grace to be manifested in our nation (Matthew 5:45), including withholding his judgment (Romans 2:4). While we are prepared, by God’s grace, to endure suffering, we have no desire for it. Our hope is that we may live peaceable lives made possible by God’s restraint of evil.
Our Situation is Temporary
We rightly lament and pray for our situation, but our situation is temporary. This world is passing away (1 John 2:17). We cannot lose sight of an eternal perspective that reminds us the temporal will be replaced by the eternal (2 Corinthians 4:17-18). What about our situation is temporary?
The rule and reign of the unrighteous will one day be replaced by the righteous rule of Jesus (Revelation 20:4). In fact, Jesus has already been enthroned and sits at the right hand of God (Acts 2:33). It is only a matter of time until there will be universal acknowledgement of his lordship (Philippians 2:10-11).
Next, need for faith is temporary. We are blessed to have believed in Jesus apart from sight (John 20:29). Our present walk is by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7). But a day is coming when we will see God face to face (1 Corinthians 13:12). There will be no need for faith since we will have fully received our inheritance (1 Peter 1:4, 8-9). Such a perspective gives us hope in the present situation and assurance despite challenges we face.
Culture, society, and political institutions matter. We have an obligation to be salt and light where God has placed us (Matthew 5:13-16). Our obligation prompts us to care deeply about the affairs of our nation and lament when our nation is woefully wicked. In the face of such disappointment, we must turn to God and ask for His intercession. We turn in faith with full confidence that despite what happens we already know the future. Until then, we sing, “And Lord, haste the day when the faith shall be sight.”
As always, I welcome your feedback and any suggestions you might have for an upcoming Lunchtime Musing.
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Mike VerWay
Pastor for Preaching & Vision