God and Nation

Politics

Pronunciation: 'pä-l&-"tiks

Function: noun plural but singular or plural in construction

Etymology: Greek politika, from neuter plural of politikos political

Defintion: the art or science of government

picture of a rally I attended...which one? you make ur guess.

With the country, media and press all abuzz with the upcoming elections, I cannot help but wonder about the role of a Christian in politics or governance for that matter. Many are divided upon that issue. While some have sworn to absolute secrecy, some are apathetic, some are impassioned about change and others cry out, 'Don't bite the hand that feeds you.' Fret not dear readers, there is no political agenda here.

Well, I wanted to find out what the Bible says so I did a little midnight reading and searching yesterday. Some brief thoughts I had:

1) God is overall in charge- He places rulers in their place

Many great men of God were involved in politics, like Joseph, Daniel and there was even a woman, Queen Esther. They were placed there in their nation for a purpose - God's better purpose unknown to man. It wasn't about them anymore but what God wanted to do through them. But one thing stood out - these great people of God pledged their sole allegiance to God. They respected the king's authority but when God's principles were compromised, they stood firm for God. While many around them might have attributed their success and position to the wisdom of the king who ruled at that time, God was the real King who drew their paths. They recognized the true King in their lives and were willing to pay the price. Joseph was thrown into prison, Daniel was thrown in the Lion's den and Esther risked having her life taken away from her.

21 Have you not known? Have you not heard? Has it not been told you from the beginning? Have you not understood from the foundations of the earth? 22 It is He who sits above the circle of the earth, And its inhabitants are like grasshoppers, Who stretches out the heavens like a curtain, And spreads them out like a tent to dwell in. 23 He brings the princes to nothing; He makes the judges of the earth useless. 24 Scarcely shall they be planted, Scarcely shall they be sown, Scarcely shall their stock take root in the earth, When He will also blow on them, And they will wither, And the whirlwind will take them away like stubble. 25 "To whom then will you liken Me, Or to whom shall I be equal?" says the Holy One. 26 Lift up your eyes on high, And see who has created these things, Who brings out their host by number; He calls them all by name, By the greatness of His might And the strength of His power; Not one is missing. Isaiah 40:21-26

2) If God is sovereign, then what is our responsiblity as Christian voters?

While many of us may not be a Joseph, a Daniel or an Esther, but we as Christians should be concern about politics for the very reason that a government determines the social, economic and more importantly the religious milieu of a nation. God has blessed Singapore by giving us the religious freedom that we have. I thank God for that. When I travel to other parts of the world and see the traditions that many are born into, I truly appreciate the religious freedom we have. But this is not something that we should take for granted. Daniel served the nation for many generations and he came under the rule of many kings. Some kings worshipped his God but others did not.

a) To vote responsibly

God ultimately places rulers in their place and He still does. But in our generation, that responsiblity has been filtered to us through democracy and the act of voting. Voting responsibly requires us to know the world we live in, to know the different issues confronting our society, and in our case, the different stance of political parties in this election. Being informed of the world around us enlarges our world view and allows us to understand how God works.

Interesting note: The word 'opposition' remains rather taboo. It seems to indicate a tinge of rebellion, revolt and might even bring some gasps to my readers as this sentence unfolds. Did you know that our Christian ancestors were called 'protestants', because of their opposition to the Catholic Church and doctrine? The assumptions accompanying the word brings with it more credit that it warrants. Another interesting note, in the recent US elections, political parties were never seen as proposition or opposition but Democrats, Republicans etc.

b) To pray for our authorities

Knowledge and information alone will not suffice. Let us pray for our government and those who are placed in our authority.

Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. 1 Timothy 2:1-4

c) No Need for anger and protests

As much as we think that our anger is justified and might bring about difference - it might do so to man but not to God. Protests and display of anger or riots are not necessary.

For the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God. James 1:20

d) To act justly.

As Christians, the Lord expects Christians do what is just and righteous- sometimes that might mean exposing the unjust or standing up for injustice. But in all this with all mercy and humbleness.

He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God? Mich 6:8

GOD BLESS OUR NATION!