Brian Underwood
Why can’t you let a politician on a plane? Answer: Because they’ll keep trying to destroy the other wing.
I think everyone can probably use a little comic relief right now with Election Day just a couple of days away. The endless political ads on TV (thank the Lord for the mute button), the heaping stacks of candidate flyers in the mailbox, and the ubiquitous banners and lawn signs everywhere you turn has caused election fatigue for many citizens. The good news is that it’s almost over — for this cycle, but God’s expectations for us as citizens never wanes.
God’s word does not recognize political parties, but it does articulate the responsibility his people have to seek wisdom and exercise discernment in decision making that reflects righteousness, justice and love.
The precious right we have to vote provides us the consequential chance to align our discernment with biblical principles, which are roundly supported in Scripture — including the imperative that we honorably yield to our leaders. The Apostle Paul, in Romans 13, 1-5, speaks of the role of government and the relationship God’s people have to it.
“Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.”
Though God does not recognize political parties in terms of “left” or “right,” the Christian doctrine of the Left and Right Hand Kingdoms, otherwise known as the Two Kingdoms - two governments, reconciles the relationship between our earthly leaders and our heavenly father. This principle coalesces “Temporal Authority,” or our daily needs through human labor and peace through governments found in the “left-hand kingdom” and the work of the Triune God, who works to save us by sending the Holy Spirit to give us faith in Jesus Christ in the “right hand kingdom.” God reigns over both kingdoms, using man’s earthly leaders to carry out the day-to-day needs of law and order.
“For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. For the one in authority is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God's servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.”
As the government, in the left-hand kingdom, will fall short, Paul teaches we are to honor and obey in accordance with God’s Word. He reminds Christians of their outward responsibility to be rooted in peace and respect.
“Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.”
Here, Paul says Christians can in good conscience come to different conclusions on how to respond to governments that fall short. Doing so leaves open the possibility of persecution, which is the Christian walk.
Given the clarity – and weight – of God’s Word on this matter of respecting the left-hand kingdom, we, as God’s people and members of the electorate, have not only the precious right but the profound responsibility to vote.
So, if you have already voted, bravo. Wear your “I Voted” sticker with pride. If you have yet to vote, consider what God’s word (not mine) has to say about using prayer and insight to cast your ballot. The result is the biblical direction to follow our leaders. Or – politely – forever hold your peace.
My name is Brian Underwood, and while I approve of this message, it truly comes from Him, who IS the message.
Brian Underwood is retired executive director at Sierra Lutheran High School, adjunct faculty member SLHS and WNC.