Will some believers end up voting for Joe Biden simply because of their contempt for President Trump? Have some Christians become so offended by his personality that they will actually align with a political party that has gone on record as being anti-God, anti-faith, and anti-life?
Perhaps we need a refresher course on what the Bible says about those who govern. Instead of using the passages specifically referring to church leaders (1 Timothy 3, Titus 1:6-9, and 1 Peter 5:1-3), we need to look again at Romans 13 and 1 Peter 2:13-14. This is what God expects of those who govern a much different field of authority that includes both believers and non-believers:
*They are God’s servant for the good of the people.
*They are a TERROR to BAD CONDUCT.
*They are AVENGERS who carry out God’s wrath on WRONGDOERS.
*They are sent by God to PUNISH those who DO EVIL and PRAISE THOSE WHO DO GOOD.
There is nothing in these qualifications that talk about persona, style, method, likability, or personal morality. Rather, those who operate under God’s legitimate authority as rulers will demonstrate their leadership by punishing those who knowingly do evil and praising those who do good. As much as we can pray and hope for our leaders to demonstrate Christ-like character and civil discourse, it is not the litmus test for their legitimacy or effectiveness as rulers.
The American Church has put so much weight on appearances and respectability that we’ve lost our ability to test the fruit of our perceptions. If you really want to discuss the quality of this President’s leadership as a governing ruler (regardless of his personal faith), forget appearances and consider his actions towards evil and good. It might clear up any confusion.
We must continue to pray that all our elected officials would have an authentic encounter and personal relationship with Jesus Christ. And we must continue to hold high the standard of righteousness for all those who identify with Christ. But, let’s not disqualify those rulers who have not yet heard His message, or are still on the journey to a mature faith. If they are truly fulfilling God’s purposes as governing authorities, their actions will speak louder than their words and their accomplishments outweigh their personal weaknesses.
Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.” 1 Peter 2:13-17 ESV
This is an updated edition of a post originally published on Wanda Alger
Featured Image by David Everett Strickler on Unsplash
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