“God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for Him; God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.” (Matthew 5:5, 10 NLT)
According to The Merriam-Webster Dictionary “politics” is “the art or science of government: as a: the art or science concerned with guiding or influencing governmental policy. And b: the art or science concerned with winning and holding control over a government.”
The major problem with governments in our world today is their focus on themselves as opposed to being focused on those over whom they’ve been given authority. Government is a means to a very selfish end in most cases, even, perhaps especially in the United States of America. We’ve either forgotten why government exists or we’ve purposely redirected our efforts to please and honor ourselves as politicians.
Proverbs 29:2 reminds us: “When the godly are in authority, the people rejoice. But when the wicked are in power, they groan.” Paul reminded Timothy, and us, in 1 Timothy 2:1-5: “I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them, intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth. For there is only one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity – the man Christ Jesus.”
A common understanding of the purpose of government in society is to maintain order, protect individual rights, provide public services, and promote the general welfare of its citizens. Perhaps Abraham Lincoln said it best in his Gettysburg Address when he spoke of “Government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the Earth.” But how does that translate for us from day to day?
Juan Sanchez reminds us: “We are to display the politics of heaven on Earth,” but what does that mean? How do we do that without becoming some kind of radical nutjob? Think about the government of heaven. Who’s in charge? Whose interests does our King hold most dear? Who does He select to govern others?
The Lord God Almighty, Creator, Sustainer, and Ruler of the universe is the embodiment of all Truth, Justice, mercy, kindness, goodness, and every other attribute that preserves human dignity and protects the rights He Himself has given us. He rules in heaven and establishes leaders of His own choosing to rule over us when we’re there.
Of course, we don’t know with certainty how all of that will look, but because of who will be in charge, we can know that it will be done fairly and in a manner that will result in our best interests being addressed. So, how might that look on earth now as we seek to honor, obey, and represent our King well?
Doesn’t it mean ordering our lives based on the truth of God’s Word? Following His Commandments to love Him with our whole heart, mind, soul, and body and others as ourselves? Putting the needs of others ahead of our own and never pushing our personal agendas on someone else?
Might that be the most effective way to see His holy will accomplished on earth as it is in heaven?
Food for thought.
Blessings, Ed 😊
Walking With Jesus 