Presidents & Power
CNN have called it a moment of historic consequence for American democracy. The New York Times said that Donald Trump is not the historical aberration some say he was. The Sydney Morning Herald has called it an extraordinary victory in the country where everything is inevitably bigger.
Almost every conversation I have been a part of for the past week has eventually drifted to the question of the US Election. Now that it has been decided, as Christians what do we do?
Well, there are three easy (but unhelpful) things to do. We could… 1) Join the yelling crowd. It is really easy to just get behind people who are shouting about how ridiculous electing a person like Donald Trump is, or, shouting about how the Saviour of America will be in power again. It can make us feel good as we have camaraderie around opinions but in the end it actually does nothing. 2) We could just post more memes, positive or negative, and join the social media throng who battle each other via keyboards. That can be fun but I don’t know anyone who has changed their mind because of a social media battle. If you do, please let me know. Or, 3) We could do nothing.
But the Bible does not actually allow Christians that option. So, what do we do?
I want to suggest 4 things:
Remain humble and kind. One of the things I have discovered in life is that I don’t know or understand everything. Obvious, hey? But for some reason when it comes to politics and power, even the most gentle people can become narky know-it-alls. My encouragement to all of us is to be a humble curious presence among friends and family and ask questions, enquire carefully, think gently and be kind. Try sharing opinions only after genuinely and curiously enquiring of the views of others and try to do so without a need to persuade people to believe your views. If you have criticisms to make or questions to ask, try to do so distinctively and Christianly. You’ll be surprised how your less anxious presence can inspire more thoughtful conversations.
Remember who appoints kings and why! (Romans 13:1-5) This is an extraordinary text and worthy of study and consideration. If we believe in the sovereignty of God, then we have to say that he oversaw the events of this week. This does not mean that God approves of all Donald Trump has done or will do (of course) and nor that he should be treated as anything more than human. Nor does it mean that we cannot humbly and kindly critique the things he or any other person in power does. In his Romans commentary, Douglas Moo helpfully writes: “… all subordinate ‘submissions’ must always be measured in relationship to our all-embracing submission to God”. It is for this reason that it is okay to challenge and critique those in power in the world. They ought to protect the weak and hold no terror for those who do right, but if they don’t, they ought to be called to do better. I have participated in several political protests and each time my motivation was compassion for the downtrodden or voiceless who those in power were forgetting.
Remember who is really king! (Revelation 1:12-16) I am not the biggest student of history but I have noticed that human powers come and go. They can have positive and negative impacts on society, culture and the world but in the end, they all fall, they all die, they all pass on. Kingdoms rise and kingdoms fall - all but one - the Kingdom of God over which Christ remains in power. This significant reality helps me remain calm and measured in my political thinking. No election result is ever a catastrophe for the world because Jesus remains on the throne and in the end, Jesus will be all in all and nothing can or will overcome his Kingdom, not even the gates of hell! Christians have reason to be calm when it comes to politics and powers.
Finally, we should pray! (1 Timothy 2:1-2) Yes, this should have been the first thing on this list, but I wanted to include the suggested prayers below and I wanted to leave you with the thought that we should be praying more often for those in power over us - even Donald Trump. God is the only one who can truly transform hearts, protect the downtrodden and bring comfort to his people and his world. Let’s pray that he might do that and that politicians and those in power might do the same.
Here are some suggested prayers you can pray:
A prayer for all in authority
Almighty God, ruler of the nations of the earth, give wisdom to Charles the King of Australia, to the Prime Minister of Australia Anthony Albanese and the Premier of this state Chris Minns, to the members of Parliament and to all who hold office in this land.
Grant that their decisions may be based on wise counsel, so that peace and welfare, truth and justice may prevail among us, and make us a blessing to other nations; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
A prayer for good government
Gracious Lord, grant to our governments and all who serve in public life wisdom and skill, imagination and energy.
Protect them from corruption and the temptation to serve themselves.
Help us all to commit ourselves to the common good, that our land may be a secure home for all its peoples; through Jesus Christ the Prince of Peace.
Amen.
A prayer for our nation
God of the nations, we pray for Australia.
Inspire and direct our leaders to seek first your kingdom and your righteousness, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.
Bring many Australians to a knowledge of the truth about Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for us all.
Amen.
