“Jesus wasn’t a Democrat or a Republican.”

Duh!

I get this. I don’t need to be told again…and again…and again. But here is my question:

Why do people think that just because Jesus didn’t have an American party affiliation, that I shouldn’t?

Romans 13 says that God instituted our governing authority. That means the government. Not necessarily the person. That is where America is so historically different, having few precedents set before her, because we actually have a say in who the person will be that inhabits that position. But if you truly believe that God set up the government, then shouldn’t it follow that He also expected us to use it as it was designed? That means to participate. If He has already ordained a certain person, then why did He set it up so we think we might have a say? That sounds an awful lot like Calvinism…why do anything (vote or witness) if it has already been decided? So I have coined the new term “Political Calvinism”. (if in fact it is mine to coin)

Here is the deal…

1. I have been given, as a gift from God alone, the ability and means to own a nice home.

2. I am expected to use the house to God’s glory, in the way that allows me to fulfill my God-given purpose, and invest in the house’s upkeep.

3. If I do not constantly recognize this house as a gift, if I ignore it, or don’t use it, then I am not “multiplying my talents”. (See Matthew 25:14 – 28) I must also not idolize the house or see it as anything more than a blessing from God, a means to glorify Him.

4. God has already ordained that the paint will peel and the carpet will get dirty and the design will go out of style. So why should I change that? Because it is being a good steward of the gift God has given me, so to dismiss that upkeep/maintenance as “anti-Christ” or too worldly is to spit on the blessing of a house that we have been given.

So, substitute “house” with freedom/democracy/voting/government. It is NOT anti-Christ. Not if we truly believe it was established by God. It is a blessing. It is a gift. Who else in history was able to elect their governors with the freedoms we have to follow God however we are led? No, Democracy can become an idol, just as my house can, but it is, nonetheless, a gift. One which we are able and, I believe blessed, to be able to participate in.

ROMANS 13:1-7

1Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3For 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 he will commend you. 4For he is God’s servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God’s servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. 5Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. 6This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. 7Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.

God is Sovereign!