CAFE POWDER ROOM

I don't know if you've noticed or not, but there is an election coming up in our nation. 

  (Image credit: Getty Images via @daylife)

In 11 days, 10 hrs and 43 minutes from the time I write this, our nation will decide to either keep the current leaders in political offices across our country or install new ones.

Regardless of our political affiliation or persuasion, the Scriptures give us some clear guidelines about these authories in our lives.  While the Bible of course doesn't discuss Presidents, Governors or Mayors, but it does discuss Kings and authorities.

"I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth." 1 Timothy 2:1-4

This passage is an easy one to think of when our "authorities" are those with whom we agree or support, but who was Paul's authority when he wrote this to Timothy?  The Emperor Nero, who not only murdered Christians, but his own wife and mother as well.

I don't know about you, but I have to confess to being much quicker to complain about our governmental authorities than to praying for them.  Our Constitution does give us the wonderful right to freedom of speech, but the Apostle Paul begins his exhortation with the phrase "First of all."

In other words, before my freedom of speech to my fellow citizens, I should be certain to exercise my freedom of speech before the throne of grace for these authorities.  I should begin by praying for them  as people, as individuals, as those who may or may not know the Lord Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.  Then as family members because their roles as family members certainly are impacted by their roles as governmental authorities.  Then as members of the offices they hold and as representatives of our country.

I wonder what the difference would have been if I had been as quick to pray as I had been to complain?

"Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. 

For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God."

Romans 13:1