Politics! The mere mention of the word has almost always brought differing opinions, strong statements, and strong positions. But all of that seems to be magnified in the days we are living in right now. Daily press briefings, back-and-forth finger pointing, health and safety guidelines, and phased re-openings seem to be the order of the day at the federal, state, and local levels of politics. If you know me at all then you probably have noticed that I’m not a political person. I don’t make political statements from the pulpit. I don’t show my political hand on social media. I rarely bring it up in conversations.
But, allow me to just share what’s been rolling around in my head and in my heart: I don’t pray nearly enough for our elected officials. The Bible is not silent when it comes praying for our government leaders. Paul says: I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior… (1 Timothy 2:1—3, NIV) I must confess that there are times when I complain about the way things are going in our country. There are times when I am concerned about the direction of our nation. I spend my fair share of time disgusted with some of the decisions that are made. Perhaps you do, too. But, here’s a news flash for us: We’re supposed to be praying for our leaders. Oh, I do it from time-to-time, but not nearly as consistently as I should.
Paul urges us to do this. He says that we’re to do this first of all. Praying for our government leaders isn’t supposed to be at the bottom of the prayer list…you know, that part of the list that’s hard to get to. It kind of sounds like it’s supposed to be at the top of the list. You may not like our President…you may not agree with our Governor…you may not appreciate every decision our congressmen and congresswomen make…you may not be thrilled with village trustees, but Paul is urging us to put them at the top of our prayer list. We’re to pray for them regardless of what we think of them. Is this easy? No, it’s not. But, it’s supposed to be important. After all, if you want change then pray because nothing is impossible for God!
This is what we’re called to do as Kingdom citizens. Suffice it to say that I have my own personal beliefs and opinions on what is going on in our nation right now. I have my own personal beliefs and opinions concerning the phased re-opening we’re following in Illinois, too. But, I’m also a Kingdom citizen so I live in the tension between being a citizen of Illinois and being a citizen of the Kingdom of God. The Bible is clear that we’re to pray for our government leaders as Kingdom citizens.
Bottom line? As Kingdom citizens we should be the best citizens. As a citizen of the Kingdom I will pray for our leaders. Can I ask you to consider joining me in this effort? In fact, I’m going to start asking one simple question before I complain about politics, politicians, and government leaders: Have I even prayed? Maybe you can ask that question, too. On this Memorial Day weekend we pause to remember those men and women who were willing to sacrifice it all for the freedom we enjoy in this great nation. Those men and women died for my freedom to complain about our government leaders if that’s what I want to do. But, they also died for my freedom to pray for our government leaders. Perhaps we should start there!
Pray with me,
Brad
