1 Timothy 1:12-2:15

Democrat or Republican

I am a truly independent voter. In my lifetime I have been all over the political spectrum. I have voted for both parties, been elated with both parties, been disgusted with both parties, and more often than not split my ballot. The one this I have discovered in my almost 62 years is this: politics is an illusion.

You never really know what you are going to get. Especially over the last few decades in this country much of the illusion is purely intentional. Even without the extreme level of disingenuousness from all sides you still don’t know what you are going to get. 

Dwight Eisenhower appointed Earl warren to the Supreme Court in part because of his Conservative leanings and got a very activist court with liberal leanings. Richard Nixon was elected in part because of his reputation for being anti Communist. So of course it was during his administration that relations were opened up with what was then known as “Red” China. Nixon was also elected because of his image for being moral and honest...well, we know how that worked out. Ronald Reagan’s tax cuts were slightly more than canceled out by his tax hikes  while he increased Federal spending from 20.7% of GDP to 22.4% of GDP. 

I could go on, but suffice it to say that you can study and plan and listen to all of the pundits and still not have any idea what you are getting. So, why is the church so politically motivated in the USA? I understand that there are issues that are important, but the only issues that the church has ever championed with good results are those which involve setting people free (Abolition of Slavery and Civil Rights come to mind). 

This is what the church is supposed to do: 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.

Whether you voted for the leader or not, whether you voted or not, you can pray for them to have wisdom and revelation and grace. Some say, “If you don’t vote you can’t complain.” Actually, complaining is never a biblical idea. There is never ever anything godly about complaining. What we can do, and are instructed as believers to do, is pray.