Click here to read today's passage on Bible Gateway.
I Pledge Allegiance...
A timely passage for today. I don't usually get involved in things like this, especially on this blog, which is focused on Bible study, not issues, but as I said, our reading for today is very timely. Here's quick reminder of some of what the Bible has to say about us and our relationship to our governing authorities:
Titus 3:1
Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work...
Romans 13:1
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.
1 Peter 2:13-15
Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, 14 or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. 15 For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people.
1 Timothy 2:1-2
First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, 2 for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.
It's pretty clear: no matter what you think or who you voted for, be subject to those who rule over you, be submissive, pray for them.
Our country happens to have systems in place to register/make know our opinions if we disagree with the government. Make use of those: write your congressman if you feel strongly enough. But please consider that snide remarks spoken between friends or in your home are not fitting for the people of God. We as citizens of the US have the right of free speech, but we as citizens of the Kingdom are restrained by wise and God-honoring speech. Nothing you say is private, because God always knows. Seek to honor and pray for our leaders. Know these passages and consider them before you speak.
That being said, there are much larger issues at hand. It's easy in an election year to get caught up in the process, in opinions and results. Sadly, every four years I see many Christians acting and speaking in ways that are definitely not honoring to God or to their neighbors. We would do well to remember that our salvation will never come through an elected official. It will never come from a "Christian America". It won't come through laws, though there are issues and ideas that are very important. God is in control of all things and we are ultimately foreigners in this country and this world anyway.
I pledge allegiance to a King. I am a citizen of a Kingdom that is not of this world.
Thanks to Derek Webb for a great song that reminds us of this. Pay particular attention to the chorus, which is so important to remember at a time like this:
I Pledge Allegiance...
A timely passage for today. I don't usually get involved in things like this, especially on this blog, which is focused on Bible study, not issues, but as I said, our reading for today is very timely. Here's quick reminder of some of what the Bible has to say about us and our relationship to our governing authorities:
Titus 3:1
Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work...
Romans 13:1
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.
1 Peter 2:13-15
Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, 14 or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. 15 For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people.
1 Timothy 2:1-2
First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, 2 for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.
It's pretty clear: no matter what you think or who you voted for, be subject to those who rule over you, be submissive, pray for them.
Our country happens to have systems in place to register/make know our opinions if we disagree with the government. Make use of those: write your congressman if you feel strongly enough. But please consider that snide remarks spoken between friends or in your home are not fitting for the people of God. We as citizens of the US have the right of free speech, but we as citizens of the Kingdom are restrained by wise and God-honoring speech. Nothing you say is private, because God always knows. Seek to honor and pray for our leaders. Know these passages and consider them before you speak.
That being said, there are much larger issues at hand. It's easy in an election year to get caught up in the process, in opinions and results. Sadly, every four years I see many Christians acting and speaking in ways that are definitely not honoring to God or to their neighbors. We would do well to remember that our salvation will never come through an elected official. It will never come from a "Christian America". It won't come through laws, though there are issues and ideas that are very important. God is in control of all things and we are ultimately foreigners in this country and this world anyway.
I pledge allegiance to a King. I am a citizen of a Kingdom that is not of this world.
Thanks to Derek Webb for a great song that reminds us of this. Pay particular attention to the chorus, which is so important to remember at a time like this:
A King, A Kingdom by Derek Webb
Who's your brother, who's your sister
You just walked passed him
I think you missed her
As we're all migrating to a place where our Father lives
Because we married in to a family of immigrants
So my first allegiance is not to a flag, a country, or a man
My first allegiance is not to democracy or blood
It's to a King & a Kingdom
There are two great lies that I’ve heard
“The day you eat of the fruit of that tree, you will not surely die”
And that Jesus Christ was a white, middle-class republican
And if you wanna be saved you have to learn to be like Him
So my first allegiance is not to a flag, a country, or a man
My first allegiance is not to democracy or blood
It's to a King & a Kingdom
But nothing unifies like a common enemy
And we’ve got one, sure as hell
He may be living in your house
He may be raising up your kids
He may be sleeping with your wife
Oh no, he may not look like you think
Thoughts? Comments? Questions on the song or anything else?
Who's your brother, who's your sister
You just walked passed him
I think you missed her
As we're all migrating to a place where our Father lives
Because we married in to a family of immigrants
So my first allegiance is not to a flag, a country, or a man
My first allegiance is not to democracy or blood
It's to a King & a Kingdom
There are two great lies that I’ve heard
“The day you eat of the fruit of that tree, you will not surely die”
And that Jesus Christ was a white, middle-class republican
And if you wanna be saved you have to learn to be like Him
So my first allegiance is not to a flag, a country, or a man
My first allegiance is not to democracy or blood
It's to a King & a Kingdom
But nothing unifies like a common enemy
And we’ve got one, sure as hell
He may be living in your house
He may be raising up your kids
He may be sleeping with your wife
Oh no, he may not look like you think
Thoughts? Comments? Questions on the song or anything else?
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