But all things become visible when they are exposed by the light, for everything that becomes visible is light. For this reason it says, Awake, sleeper, And arise from the dead, And Christ will shine on you” (Ephesians 5:13-14).
“Righteousness dignifies a nation, but sin disgraces a people.” Proverbs 14:34 (CEB)
“When the godly are in authority, the people rejoice. But when the wicked are in power, they groan.” Proverbs 29:2 (NLT)
America has been in serious trouble for some time. I earlier wrote several posts in 2019. Divine Perspective: A Call for Intercession and National Restoration emerged after pondering the cultural shifts taking place in the nation. It also arose after considering changes in the world. I sense that America was in trouble. Since then I continue to encourage readers to pray for our nation. There is continued chaos over immigration policies and border security. There is talk of building a wall. A potential government shutdown looms. Political drama is being played out daily in the news media. Shortly thereafter, a deadly shooting took place in El Paso, Texas, leaving 20 dead. Dozens were killed in the Christchurch mosque shooting. Then the first impeachment trial of Donald Trump occurred.
The January 6 insurrection truly challenges everything I believe about America’s faith in its Constitution. It also questions democracy and equality for all. Today’s top headline stories continue to show the state of American politics. Gun violence, immigration infighting, and Covid-19 variants pose significant challenges. These issues challenge what we believe as citizens. They include ‘The House spectacle highlights a key difference between parties’, ‘McCarthy fights to lock down a deal in longest speaker contest in 164 years’, ‘Trump troubles mount as special counsel gets new 2020 evidence’, ‘A brief taxonomy on Christian nationalism’. ‘BB.1.5 may be ‘most transmissible subvariant of Omicron to date,’ scientists warn’, ‘Multiple People Wounded in Shooting Near Florida Restaurant’, ‘Evacuations ordered as California ‘bomb cyclone’ unleashes powerful winds, heavy rain; state of emergency declared’, and other noteworthy issues impacting the nation gives me pause as to what will happen to American democracy.
“Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”
George Santayana
George Washington’s assessment on American the potential danger of political factions.
President George Washington wrote a profound prophetic assessment in his farewell public letter. He warned of future political factions attempting to obstruct law execution. They also try to prevent government branches from exercising constitutional powers. In light of Washington’s thoughts it is clear that we are witnessing what he feared would happen. The current political divisions have sparked discussions about stolen elections. There is talk of conspiracy theories and a house divided against itself. These divisions have also led to discussions about the January 6 insurrection.
Failure to elect a speaker of the House.
The Speaker is the House’s presiding officer, party leader, and the institution’s administrative head, among other duties. As the presiding officer of the House, the Speaker maintains order, manages its proceedings, and governs the administration of its business. Along with these duties the Speaker is second in the United States presidential line of succession, after the vice president and ahead of the president pro tempore of the Senate. As of January 3, 2023 a Speaker has not been elected after 10 failed attempts. “A house divided against itself cannot stand.”
As citizens, we look to leadership to govern the administration of the nation’s affairs. But what happens when government leadership is in disarray? What can citizens expect from government representatives when they fail to choose a leader? What happens when they can’t swear in newly elected representatives until a leader is elected?
Let’s consider what the Bible says about the role of government.
“Every person should place themselves under the authority of the government. There isn’t any authority unless it comes from God, and the authorities that are there have been put in place by God” Romans 13:1 (CEB).
Government has a role in God’s purposes. Romans 13 is not addressed to the Roman authorities. Instead, it is written to the embattled Christian church. Its purpose is to instruct them on how to view those in secular authority. The letter’s central concern is the righteous/justice of God. Romans 13 makes it clear that God is the source of all authority. Yet, He does not choose our governing authorities. The government derives its authority from God. This is not to say that God approves every form of government or of everyone who holds governmental office. 1 Peter 2:13 encourages every believer to obey to the governing authorities
Respecting People In Authority
As author David McIlroy in A Biblical View of Law and Justice notes, “Governments exist to do and encourage good/right and to punish and discourage wrong. If they are doing that they are acting as God’s servants and fulfilling the purpose for which they have been instituted. If they are not doing that, they are acting in disobedience and rebellion to God. 1 Peter 2:13 -14a,15 says, “For the Lord’s sake, submit to all human authority –whether the king as head of state, or the officials he has appointed.” “It is God’s will that your honorable lives should silence those ignorant people who make foolish accusations against you.”
You are expected to submit to governing authority as a Christian, whether you are a Democrat, Republican, Independent, or none.
May the peace of God rule your heart and His grace enrich your life each and every day!
Notes: All scripture references are taken from the New American Standard Bible unless otherwise noted.
- Pruitt, Sarah. George Washington Warned Against Political Infighting in His Farewell Address. History.com. 18 Feb. 2020. https://www.history.com/news/george-washington-farewell-address-warnings. Accessed 16 May 2022.
afrancinegreen.com 