Let's Talk Politics

No graphics this time - it would be distracting to show political crowds, banners, flags, voting - even from different countries. The focus will be on what Jesus said about governments and how to treat them.  Here are all the verses from the four gospels regarding governments, good, bad, or indifferent:

They say unto him, Caesar's. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's. (Matthew 22:21 KJV)

And Jesus answering said unto them, Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's. And they marvelled at him. (Mark 12:17 KJV)

And he said unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which be Caesar's, and unto God the things which be God's. (Luke 20:25 KJV)

Did you expect more? Jesus came to change the lives of people - not of nations, tribes, races, or any other designation. Yes, He spoke to crowds - of people, individuals. His messages were to offer changes to their lives that brought attention to God and His abilities. The one mentioned most:

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. (John 3:16-18 KJV)

He was speaking as a Jew to a religiously trained Jew, but no words designated them as being separate from the "whosoever" of the world God loves. The word translated "whosoever" in this verse is Strong's: 

G3956

πᾶς (pas) Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole: - all (manner of, means) alway (-s), any (one), X daily, + ever, every (one, way), as many as, + no (-thing), X throughly, whatsoever, whole, whosoever. (Total KJV occurrences: 1238)

Sounds very inclusive to me. Yet, to a Jew then, and in many ways now, the world was divided into Jews and Gentiles. Everyone not a Jew was a Gentile - but God made it clear throughout the Bible that while the Jews were a special people to show Him to others, Gentiles could be His, too.  In God's eyes there was, and is, no difference - all were "whosoever."

Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him. (Acts 10:34-35 KJV)

There is no mention of directing religious views, requiring force, invoking change, feeling hatred, or instructions to disregard to any specific country - especially during a time when Jews (along with many defeated neighbors) were mistreated under Rome's military rule. In fact, Jesus apostle wrote:

I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. (1 Timothy 2:1-4 KJV)

We are to pray for our leaders, for all that are in authority. There is no doubt this meant the Roman emperor who sent troops to neighboring lands were to be included in prayer. Christians would have been praying for Nero as he blamed them for problems Rome encountered, even as he sent them to death.

Remember - the only rulers in Peter's time came on behalf of Rome. Even the Jewish leaders depended on Romans to hold their power. Does that change what Peter wrote:

Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God. Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king. (1 Peter 2:13-17 KJV)

Paul also admonished Christians to respect authority:

Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. (Romans 13:1-2 KJV)

The Pulpit Commentary for these verses begins:

From admonitions to keep peace, if possible, with all men, whether or not within the Christian circle, and to act honourably and benevolently towards all, the apostle now passes to the duty of Christians towards the civil government and the laws of the country in which they lived.

What can we do, then, when we see corruption in leadership, unlawful activity, or disregard for human lives? Once again the Bible provides instruction:

Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man. (Colossians 4:6 KJV)

But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: (Ephesians 4:15 KJV)

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: 

(1 Peter 3:15 KJV)

When you have a truth, you need to tell it to others, but speak it with love. Especially when it appears they do not know truth. Best to be certain your heart is in the right place, too. As a Christian, your truth may be seen as an outright lie by others. Know why you need to speak out, and look for the glorification of God in your speaking.

Even when an action might be taken, see what can be done with words. David did so with Saul, sparing him while explaining. Saul's death by David's hands was not part of God's solution:

And David said to Saul, Wherefore hearest thou men's words, saying, Behold, David seeketh thy hurt? Behold, this day thine eyes have seen how that the LORD had delivered thee to day into mine hand in the cave: and some bade me kill thee: but mine eye spared thee; and I said, I will not put forth mine hand against my lord; for he is the LORD'S anointed. Moreover, my father, see, yea, see the skirt of thy robe in my hand: for in that I cut off the skirt of thy robe, and killed thee not, know thou and see that there is neither evil nor transgression in mine hand, and I have not sinned against thee; yet thou huntest my soul to take it. (1 Samuel 24:9-11 KJV)

Sometimes, as David, we must accept what is, knowing that what was, is, and will be is in God's hands and His timing. Then, we still have instructions, including the opening verses of this blog and:

But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. (Matthew 5:44-45 KJV)

The ability to disagree strongly is evident among Christians, even with a common goal. It does us all well not to separate in vitriolic anger, but to continue doing our jobs well within God's will:

And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus; And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God. (Acts 15:39-40 KJV)

These scriptures are applicable in every facet of our lives. Please take time to read them in context - and feel free to comment.