The
Christian is a citizen of two kingdoms. We
are citizens of the United States of America and citizens of the kingdom of
heaven. We pledge allegiance to the flag but our ultimate allegiance is to
Christ. Jesus said it this way, “render unto Caesar the things that are
Caesar’s and unto God the things that are God’s.” The Christian is to impact both kingdoms. One way we do this is through prayer.
Paul tells
us PRAYER FOR OUR LEADERS IS REQUIRED.
Would it be a sin to commit murder? Do you believe it is wrong to commit adultery?
What about stealing, lying, blasphemy, or drunkenness? Why do you believe these
things are wrong? The Bible says so. Then, let me ask, is it a sin to fail to
pray for our leaders? Yes, because in the Word of God we are commanded to do
so. It is easier for us to complain to other people about the failures of
government than to confess our own failure to God in neglecting to pray for
government. The Apostle says that prayer
is to be the first choice not the final chance.
Furthermore,
PRAYER FOR OUR LEADERS BRINGS RESULTS.
The results of praying like this are evident. Our leaders have tremendous power for good or
evil. It has been said that prayer
changes things. That’s absolutely true. It
can change the hearts of those who are in power. Proverbs 21:1 says, “The king’s heart is in the hand of
the Lord, Like the rivers of
water; He turns it wherever He wishes.” Just as a rushing river exerts pressure
against its banks and in the process of time, cuts into the bank and even wears
away the rock, so God is able to put pressure on a ruler to move him or her to
do the will of God. Did you know that we
have the responsibility to pray for our leaders regardless of their political party?
God has the last word. Man may rule, but He overrules.
Let every leader know that it is not the hand that
appointed you, nor the hand that pulled the lever in the voting booth, but the hand
of God that has brought you to your position.
Your accountability is not ultimately to your constituents, but to
Christ before whose judgment seat you and all other humans will stand. You will
give an answer for this stewardship for Scripture calls you a minister of God
to praise the good and punish the evil (Rom.13). That’s why you need and
deserve our prayers.
Many do not vote and many Christians aren’t involved in
the political system because they think it is often rotten and corrupt. But God has ordained that we be salt to arrest
the spread of corruption. If our world
is dark, is it that we have hid our light under a bushel basket? Prayer changes things and many times it changes
us. We become motivated to be involved.
How do we know whom to vote for? God
will guide us as seek Him.
PRAYER
FOR OUR LEADERS DEMANDS REGULARITY, also. We need a regular period, place, and pattern. Pray specifically and Scripturally. Pray with focus, fervency and faith. God will work!
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