Elected Officials

08.01.10

Elected Officials

I must admit, politics are something I’ve taken a default view on in years past. I’ve heard my grandmother talk passionately about this nation going to hell in a hand basket, because of our elected officials. At times, I’ve agreed with her… not because of truth that I’ve known, but because of the convincing points she made.

Other times, I’ve heard opposing sides of the fence advocate those same elected officials through logical points. And I’ve emotionally supported their reasoning in that.

Here’s the big question I’m wrestling with: If we get SOOO passionate about these elected officials… could we every get that passionate about Jesus?

I’m not trying to sound soft or philosophical or unrealistic.

I’m serious. DEAD SERIOUS.

Could we actually get fired up, in the core of our spirit, about advocating and living out the TRUTH Jesus gave us to live? To be!?

Romans 13 (New International Version)

Submission to the Authorities

1Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. 4For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. 5Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. 6This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing. 7Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.

We are called to submit to our earthly authorities, and respect them as God appointed. No authority exists except that which God has established.

I believe it is ingrained in us to be passionate about a cause. What if we channeled even half of that same energy to advancing the Kingdom of Christ?

Wow.

Primary elections come up this week Tuesday.

I will be there. I will vote. But my prayer is not that the right person be elected. My prayer is that God would condition and prepare our HEARTS to accept any outcome to be His Will.

If “your” candidate wins, how will you respond? If “your” candidate does not, how will you respond?

This is our opportunity to be ambassadors and reflections of the living Christ, through our actions.