It seems fitting to talk about political leaders, since tomorrow there will be a transfer of power. I am not going to get in to the political debate of which person is better and who is worse. My purpose for this post is to enlighten people to what the Bible says about our political leaders.
One of the most predominant bible verses on the subject of politics is Romans 13:1-7
“Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, for he is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer. Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God's wrath but also for the sake of conscience”
So according to Romans, we are told to respect the authority over us. Authority would constitute anyone that has physical control over our lives. It is a hard pill to swallow sometimes. We think we know better but we don't. There is a reason why God appointed someone to rule over us. It may be because they are such an exceptional leader that they will take good care of us. It can also be because they will be so horrible that they will usher in the next great leader.
We are called to pray for our political leaders.
The Bible tells us to pray for our political leaders. We are supposed to pray for their governing over us. It is important to pray for their wisdom and the decisions they make. Our role as Christians is to support our political leaders.
1 Timothy 2:1-2 “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.”
I know many of you are so entrenched in your politics that you have no desire pray for your political leaders. It is not about what we want, it is about what God wants. As Christians our job is to honor God. By praying and being subject by the authority placed over us, we are fulfilling God's desire. Ultimately we are subject to God and not political leaders hear on earth. But while we are here it is our job to support our political leaders as long as they do not contradict God's law.