We are in an interesting time today. As Christians, especially in America, we have become complacent in our worship of our One True King, and have instead focused on things such as our government, who is in power, or what we believe are the most important political issues. I am not saying that we should not be informed, and that we should not vote, because I absolutely believe we should. However, we must remember the following:
He decides who will rule (Romans 13:1-2, Daniel 4:25)
Jesus himself tells us that we should render to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s (Matthew 22:21). Our soul belongs to God, as He redeemed us (Galatians 2 4:5). Therefore, where our treasure is, our heart will be also (Matthew 6:21). We are to be subject to higher powers, not because they are greater, but because they are ordained by God, and He is the highest authority. He can put anyone in He chooses, and take anyone out, just as He did with Nebuchadnezzar.
In Israel, they clamored to have a king, just as the other nations did. Samuel felt the nation had rejected him as a prophet, but God said “…for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me from being king over them.” (1 Samuel 8:7). The framers of the constitution tried to build a government that served the people, and did not become like the monarchs and dictators they saw in other nations. They wanted it to be a nation WITHOUT a human king. Let us follow that lead to serve others, and not reject our true King by trying to align ourselves with a human “king”.
We can not serve two masters (Matthew 6:24)
Jesus explains to us that we can not serve two masters, for we will hate the one and love the other, or we will be devoted to the one and despise the other. When we start to lift up politics, or anything else to the level that only God should be at, it creates a divided heart. If we are to truly serve God, He must be our only master. Look at the first commandment He gave - “You shall have no other Gods before me” - as well as the second - “You shall not make for yourself an idol…”.
Our citizenship is in heaven (Philippians 3:20, Colossians 3:1-2, John 18:36)
While we live on this earth, we are told to be a light (Matthew 5:14). However, this is not our true home, we are just ambassadors (2 Corinthians 5:20). “We eagerly wait for our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory, by the exertion of the power that He has even to subject all things to Himself.” Let us treat this land just as any ambassador would - a place to share with everyone what our Kingdom and our King are like!
What are we focused on? (Matthew 6:33-34)
So, while we are here in this world, what should we be focused on? His Kingdom and His righteousness. We should be following His will (Matthew 6:10), by the leading of His Spirit (Romans 8:14), using the gifts (Romans 12:16) and calling (Ephesians 4:1) He gave each one of us. We should not be surprised by trials and tribulation (1 Peter 4:12-13), but rejoice that we are counted worthy to suffer for His name (Acts 5:31). This is not the end, it is the battle that we have while we are here, but rejoice because He has overcome this world! (John 16:33)
What then should we do? Pray!! (1 Thessalonians 5:17, Colossians 4:2, Ephesians 6:18, 1 Timothy 2:1-8)
So, you may ask, if we are not supposed to lifting up a king, what should we be doing? You want to see real change? Pray!! The Bible tells us over and over how important prayer is, and that we should be fervent in prayer, doing it without ceasing. We should be in constant communication with our heavenly Father, and casting all our cares about him (1 Peter 5:7). If we continually pray, and share our requests with Him, we will not be anxious, but will receive the peace that passes all understanding (Philippians 4:6-8). I will leave you with this:
2 Chronicles 7:14 NASB
and My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin and will heal their land.