The Politics Do Not Matter
Kneeling during the Anthem, drinking Gatorade in the locker room during the unfurling of the flag, and protesting on team time is a growing trend among many American athletes today.
When it comes to the interaction of the citizen and the government leaders of a country, respect must be the underlying principle. As our country becomes increasingly sinful, some have suggested that the Constitution is out of date or is no longer useful. Quite the contrary; the Constitution is not broken, the people are. Our nation, like every other nation in history is following a path to destruction because we have, as a whole, denied the truth. Human nature is full of sin, rebellion, and selfishness. The main reason things are the way they are is because we are… people. Whenever a group of people no longer fear God, read the Bible, or have respect for Biblical values, there will be an increase in troubles.
Back to the flag, kneeling, and protesting on team (company) time. The Bible says that Christians are to respect the government and governmental leaders. Subjection, while unnatural to a man full of pride, should be the goal of the Christian filled with the Spirit of God.
Notice what the Apostle Paul wrote to the Roman Christians about their relationships towards their government:
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. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. Romans 13:1-4
It is apparent that the Lord wants to save the lost leaders from their sin just as much as He saved the Christian from his sins. The Lord can even use the believers response and attitude of respect to challenge, encourage, and convict a leader of his need for Jesus.
Our respecting of leaders is demanded and has nothing to do with policy. Our submission has nothing to do with policies or political party. Our attitude towards leaders is not to be impacted by the leader’s personality, brashness, or decisions.
Do you know the cultural and societal insanities that were being projected upon the people when Paul wrote to the Roman Christians?
- Criminals were many times tortured to death in the coliseum.
- Christians were fed to the lions.
- Some Christians were burned alive for their faith.
- The shedding of blood was a popular sport that people would flock to see in the coliseum.
- Some Roman Emperors even demanded people to worship them as a deity.
No matter how bad some suggest living in America is – we are still living in the most just, least prejudiced, and most advantageous (to personal success) country in the world. We still have a very relaxed legal system compared to most other countries today. It is even harder for an American to enter and try to live in other countries of the world. Proof of work and a verification that you are not taking jobs away from another countries citizen is a general requirement. Things are relatively easy in America.
Those who complain about poverty are probably more-wealthy than most people in many places of the world.
Work ethic, respect for others, personal discipline, and a peaceful existence lends itself to a more productive life than protesting, walking around streets late at night, inciting riots, and sitting around complaining on the internet.
I encourage you to pray for our leaders. Respect those the Lord has placed over us. Participate in government with a good attitude. Work at loving your neighbor.
The political party nor the particular person does not diminish the Lord’s command to be subject to and show honor to our leaders.
EDC Christian 