Taproot Church

One Government Under God

It’s done. After almost two years of debate, argument, slander, and propaganda the United States has voiced her majority opinion and chosen our new leader Barack Obama as the 44th President of our nation. My wife and I prayed for him fervently last night as should you.

In the months approaching the elections I listened to a barrage of commentators in both camps slinging mud, sometimes subtly and sometimes boldly proclaiming Apocalyptic fulfillment, always putting a halo on their preferred candidate and horns on the other. I must confess there was a twinge of fear as allusions to walking on water, lepers being healed, and the dead being raised floated through the radio waves and internet connections all in reference to smiley faced, baby kissing, promise breaking politicians. In the whole of the fiasco I have had to continually fight being sucked into two areas of thought that are completely out of sync with the Biblical instruction we have on how to function as a Kingdom community under a Sovereign King.

The first being the ridiculous postulation that political ideology or certain types of government can carry the day for humanity and bring about righteousness, morality, peace, joy, or heavenly/eternal existence on Earth. I plan on stepping on all toes in all camps in this post so after these sentences ruffle you up please continue reading and it will balance. Christians in the conservative/red/right wing camp in many ways have adopted the ludicrous notion that morality can and must be legislated via governmental regulation and rule. This is an absolutely futile and hopeless agenda that puts the Church on political campaigns supporting he or she who comes closest to meeting Biblical morals as defined by the various interpreters. The erroneous thought that constitutional authority can legislate the Kingdom of God into hearts via law has marginalized the Church as a voice at the cultural table and built quasi-messiah’s out of fallen men and fallen ideas.

The second pit fall though I had to avoid was calling something evil that actually the Bible calls good. For example, shouldn’t we provide for the poor, isn’t equality of class a Biblical standard? Once again though, our socialistic utopian dreams can not be fulfilled by Uncle Sam imposing himself on our incomes and personal prosperity. Like conservatives those in the liberal/blue/left-wing camp have put horns on men and women who in the name of freedom, the pursuit of happiness, and personal well being would prefer autonomy over governmental control in the whole of their lives.

Here’s where confusion and wrong emphasis begins for Christians. Socialism can be backed by the Bible but so can capitalism. War is an ethical quagmire that Scriptures raise more questions about then answers. The issues of morality, i.e gay marriage and abortion are non-negotiable throughout Holy Writ but are the imposed laws of man going to change a heart and regenerate a soul? Obviously they won’t. My point is not that we shouldn’t be concerned and disturbed over these issues. My point is not that we should lay down in fetal position with thumb in mouth so we don’t speak our opinions and desires. My point is we cannot turn legislation and political campaigns into the solution as Christians. At the same time we must be very careful about demonizing something that the Lord may be instituting as a good thing.

The Bible simply points us to a King whom we serve whole heartedly and demands submission to a government that He sets up, organizes, and ultimately controls perfectly. I think because we have been raised in an abundantly blessed democracy we have a spoiled brat mentality that the world revolves around us, our voice, our desire, etc. It doesn’t. The world, humanity, government, life, and all of creation revolves around Jesus. Jesus controls and dictates it all and we submit to Him and that which He places over us as He sees fit. I exercised my democratic right and voted for John McCain yesterday but the Lord of the universe has seen fit to put me under the governance and oversight of Barack Obama. I gladly submit and serve Jesus and in light of His kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven will gladly submit and serve the governmental figure He puts over me. Of course we cannot and will not submit to government when it forces sinful deeds but we must completely submit to government when it aligns with His will. (Romans 13:1-7, 1 Peter 2:13-17)

As a Cross centered, Christ exalting, Kingdom community I pray that the members of Taproot church would place all of their faith in King Jesus. As the political pendulum continues to violently swing might we respect and honor our leaders, pray fervently for them, love them, and continue with vigilance and humble boldness to proclaim King Jesus’ political, physical, emotional, financial, and spiritual absolute reign over and through all things. Christians we submit to a government under God and if we ever get that statement backwards the realities and efficacy of who we are and who King Jesus is are lost upon a world desperately in need of that very truth!