When did you first become aware of having political opinions? Who or what do you think shaped them?
In most instances, our political views are first shaped by our parents and friends. As we become more mature, however, significant local, national, or global events galvanize us and prompt us to form our own political opinions based upon our own unique experiences. It is not surprising, then, that our nation is becoming increasingly more polarized. Allegations of voter fraud, the Capitol Hill insurrection, the rise of Black Lives Matter, AAPI hate crimes, and the inability to wrangle COVID-19 have led to intense conflicts between Republicans and Democrats. This begs the question: What posture should we assume as believers in Jesus Christ? How should we respond to this new wave of political animosity? Well, the Bible provides the answer in 1 Timothy 2:1-3 when the Apostle Paul writes,
“First of all, then, I admonish and urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be offered on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in positions of authority or high responsibility, that we may live a quiet and undisturbed life, a peaceable one in all Godliness and reverence and seriousness in every way. For such praying is good and right, and it is pleasing and acceptable to God our Savior” (KJV Amplified Classic).
This reveals that God’s expectation is clear: we ought to ask Him to give wisdom, guidance, direction, and strength to every elected official regardless of their political affiliation. Our role as Christians is to pray to God so He can not only assist government officials in their decision making, but also help the voting population elect righteous candidates whose platforms are in agreement with God’s Holy Bible. In fact, Dr. Chester C. Pipkin reminds us to,
“Pray without ceasing for our elected officials so God’s will can be carried out on the earth.” (excerpt from “How to Live Holy and Godly Lives”)
When we pray for our leaders in government, we are asking God to guide our nation and acknowledging that our political identity extends far beyond the confines of a particular conservative or liberal party, as it is grounded in the very principles of Christainity itself.