I'm sure you all know my opinion of politics by now. Let's just say, I don't like politics. Not a bit. I have little faith in the American political system, and that includes both sides of the aisle. The whole thing is rife with corruption, as legislators are owned by special interest groups. Self-interest rules over the good of the country. Our religious freedoms are being whittled away. This latest intrusion by state government into the working of local churches is one example--the background checks and mandatory reporting, etc. I growl a lot about new laws and regulations, and I sometimes wonder if certain politicians might be actively working to destroy the country. I get angry...and I sometimes have a hard time thinking Christ-like thoughts or expressing His compassion for all people. And that's precisely how I learn where I need to grow, when I find an area where I don't reflect the heart of Jesus. Maybe you need to grow, too.
Regardless how you vote, there's likely a bunch of times that you've been upset about laws and regulations that have been put in place by some legislative body. Like I said, I sure have, plenty of times. Let me ask you this--how many times have you prayed for our leaders? I know, I know--sometimes we get so angry at them that we just want them to get voted out and go away. Some may even wish them harm! Before we let our feelings carry us away, however, we ought to find out what Jesus would have us think, and do.
In First Timothy, chapter 2, the Apostle Paul instructs his pastoral protégé in the methods by which he can cultivate the heart of Jesus within the Ephesian church. Prayer heads the list, as it must. He urges that the church pray for everyone--even those for whom they might not feel like praying: "I urge, then, first of all, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone--for kings and all those in authority..." (vv. 1-2a, NIV) It's easy to pray for people we like, right? Praying for people we don't care for, however...that's when we separate the pros from the amateurs. Jesus reminded us in the Sermon on the Mount that even the "tax collectors" and "pagans" show love to those who love them. (Matt. 5:46, 47) Followers of Jesus must distinguish themselves from the world by wielding a love that is much higher than unbelievers can attain. And so it follows naturally that if we truly follow Jesus, we should not balk at praying even for those in power.
Paul gives two other reasons for such prayers. The first directly benefits us: "...that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness." (2b) I can't tell you how many times I've wished that the government would get out of our lives. I'm sure you've done the same. Rather than watching the news and seething in resentment, because we're powerless to change things, we should do the one thing that makes change possible--pray! Yes, God's Word plainly says that praying for those in power can bring about an environment in which governmental leaders leave us alone, and free to pursue lives of godliness and holiness. How does this work? I haven't the foggiest notion. But apparently something happens in the heavenlies when God's people pray for the knowledge and blessing of God to come upon those in authority. Perhaps God softens their hearts toward us, causing them to look on us more favorably--I don't know. I do know that whatever we're doing now isn't working. I think it's time to quit working ourselves up into a froth, drop the angry slogans, and take our place on the battle-lines of prayer. That's where we do have power. And just perhaps, the Lord will give us the peace and quiet for which we've been searching.
The second reason for praying for people in power is more important than our own comfort--it's for their very eternal souls: "This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth." (vv. 3-4, NIV) Whatever we may think of presidents, or governors, or legislators, or judges, we must remember who they truly are. They are, every last one of them, people lovingly created by God, in His image. They are sinners, like you and I. They wield a power that can spread the effects of their sin much farther that us, but their level of brokenness is quite equal to ours in the eyes of God. The love God has for them, furthermore, is just as great as it is for us. Out of His compassion, He sent His Son to die for them and hopefully to redeem their souls. To this day, He sends His Holy Spirit to contend with their hearts, opening their eyes to their sin and need for a Savior. He wants them to be with Him for all eternity. That is who these people are. We pigeonhole them, seeing them only in terms of their title, their power, their riches, and perhaps the damage and mischief they can accomplish. But that is not who they are, whether they know it or not. They are children of the Living God, who wants to redeem them. That is how we must see them. We must see past the facade, see their souls, and pray for those souls. If we do not, we cannot call ourselves followers of Jesus, or of the Father who wants all men to be saved.
It is time to stop grumbling and kick into action. It's time to pray! On May 7, Christians from our entire area will gather at the site of the new school in Kittanning for the National Day of Prayer. It will be an hour in which we fervently pray for God's love and truth to come upon all of our leaders, national, state, county and local. We will pray for the new school, for its administrators and teachers. We will pray for the students who will join together in ways they never have before. We will pray safety for our law enforcement officers, and all those firemen and EMT's who sacrifice to keep us safe and healthy. We hope that you will come with us to pray that a knowledge of God and His truth will dawn upon our leaders. We will pray that blessing will return to our people, and that we will be able to live our lives in peace and godliness. If you really want things to change, you need to be there. Our National Day of Prayer service begins at 6:30 pm, at the location mentioned above. In the event of rain, we will meet instead at the pavilion of Vision Hill, the future site of the First Church of God. I anticipate seeing you there.
