Written by: Lucas Bueno
Right now, the United States is heading toward a momentous and tense election. So far this year, we have witnessed two assassination attempts and changes in the presidential ticket. There have also been fewer debates than usual, giving American voters less information to consider their decisions. Elsewhere in the world, other countries are experiencing tense elections or terrible conflicts. Needless to say, this year prompts many questions concerning politics and governments.
Today, we will look at what the Bible teaches regarding governments and the leaders placed over us. While the Bible doesn’t specify whom we should vote for in the next election, it provides wisdom that helps guide our minds to the right place as we consider our government and its leaders.
Jesus answered wisely when the religious leaders asked if one should pay taxes to Caesar, a leader who was hated by the Jews. Matthew 22:21 ESV says, “Then he said to them, ‘Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.’”
Similarly, Romans 13:1-7 ESV reads, “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, for he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer. Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God’s wrath but also for the sake of conscience. For because of this, you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God, attending to this very thing. Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed.”
Here, we have guidance from Christ and Paul that urges us to be subject and respectful to the authorities and governments we live under. We are not to be in strife and rebellion against them. We are to follow their laws and pay what is owed to them, as they also provide for us.
However, though we are citizens of our country, Christians are also citizens of the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, we are also subject to the commands of God. Thus, if the commands of human governments contradict God’s commands, we must hold only to God’s standards. In the past, early Adventists faced this issue regarding the Fugitive Slave Law in 1850, and we can heed their example should a similar time arise.
One of the most potent instructions regarding Christians and their earthly leaders is 1 Timothy 2:1-4 ESV. “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.”
This command calls for much humility in a climate of political division, even within our church. Regardless of who is leading, regardless of his or her policies and actions, God
calls each of us to pray for them. Not just for those who match our political convictions. Our
prayers must be for all the leaders. May the Bible’s advice guide our thoughts and prayers no matter what occurs this election season. May we begin praying even now.
