Keep Your Soul in Politics (Part 2)

Based on Andrew Jackson’s “How to Engage in Politics without Losing Your Soul” (Christian Research Journal, volume 31, number 4, 2008), we already saw that we are not to confuse the kingdom of God with any political party or human government. Also, we are not to elevate a candidate to messianic status. Instead, we are to pray for all the candidates. Not one candidate can solve all our nation’s woes. Though a leader may inspire, he needs followers to roll up their sleeves and make a government really work. It’s a herculean task to deal with our fragile economy, our ballooning budget deficit, the systemic corruption not just in the government but also in society as a whole and the alarming peace and order situation of our country. Remember that not one of us is as good as all of us. Thus, it takes all of us to change our country.

Jackson also added, “Don’t forget that your ultimate security is in the unshakeable kingdom of God. Many Christians often elevate the outcome of presidential elections to an apocalyptic status. If a particular presidential candidate does not win, we begin to think or act as if the world will end. In so doing, however, we express an unbelief in the active sovereignty of God over human affairs” (Ibid).

Daniel 2:20-21 clearly emphasize His sovereign rule over rulers: “You are all-powerful, and you know everything. You control human events—you give rulers their power and take it away”. (CEV) The Good News Bible goes like this: “He controls the times and the seasons; he makes and unmakes kings”. One presidentiable loves to quip, “Weather-weather lang yan.” (Simply put, “The political climate always changes.”) Yet, keep in mind that the Lord is the One who really controls the weather, political or otherwise. God’s timing is the right timing. We usually think that God intervenes only in the political realm when necessary. But, ultimately He is in control. He is never “hands off.” Romans 13:1 tell us, “Only God can give authority to anyone, and he puts these rulers in their places of power.” (CEV) The authority of the government is delegated authority from God. He gives it and He takes it according to His pleasure. No one can stop or delay or change His plans. Thus, ultimately He will hold people in government accountable for how they exercised their God-given authority. He is not called “Kings of kings” for nothing.

Brethren, in politics God is the Maker and the Unmaker.