Praying for Those in Authority

1 Timothy 2:1-2

            Everyone is quite aware that there is a mid-term election coming up in a week.  As always, voters are in a quandary about which candidates to vote for.  This can be especially trying for Christians when neither of two possible choices exhibits character traits and policy positions consistent with biblical principles.  Indeed, in this election there are candidates standing for principles and pushing agendas which even clash with the beliefs and intentions of our Founding Fathers as found in their writings and in the Constitution.  Some are even contrary to good common sense, and certainly some are in direct opposition to God’s teaching.

            So, how does a Christian proceed?  Choosing not to vote is an option, but it leaves the door open for some truly evil people to be put into office.  We need to get informed about the candidates, but with all the name calling and mudslinging (it really seems worse then ever this year), it’s often hard to get any facts.  Do your best and seek out some reliable sources.

            It is noteworthy that voting was not an activity available to the early Christians.  Rome did not care about what anybody (Christian of not) thought about who would be the next Caesar.  All they could do was pray.  And Paul enjoined his readers to pray “for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.”  In our day, this would be prayer to guide the voters to choose the candidates which would best govern according to the will of God.  Then it would be prayer to bless those who are elected that they would fulfill their office with integrity, honesty, hard work and devotion to the principles of our republic.

            Such prayer would be for the President down to the village council member.  For governors, mayors and commissioners.  For congress and state legislatures.  For judges in all the courts.  You get the picture.  Putting the best candidates into office is important.  But no candidate is perfect, and there is always opposition.  Our best weapon above all is prayer, for it is almighty God who can effect the best outcome for these United States, even for the whole world.

                                                            ><>  Jeff