American Politics

Changing a Nation

God’s People have more power to change the political landscape of a nation through thanksgiving and prayer than through the ballot box. We all should participate in electing our government leaders, but as Christians we have something more powerful than our vote. Changing the ruling party or replacing individuals in office may be necessary but history reveals it has not resulted in turning America toward righteousness. God has given us in His word the recipe for bringing about the transformation of a nation.

Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, 2 for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. 3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 1 Tim 2:1-3 NKJV

We are inclined to complain and criticize our elected officials because they do not share the same values and beliefs that we do. The bible says the power of life and death is in the tongue and the tongue is like a flame that is set on fire of hell. With our tongue we bless God then turn and curse men who are made in His image. (See James 3) The very fact that all men are made in God’s image is reason enough to give thanks to God even if they are opposed to righteousness. Our thanksgiving and prayer of blessing sanctifies or sets them up for divine influence.

If an elected official is operating in darkness and all we do is criticize and complain we are only reinforcing the darkness. Criticism is generally rooted in a religious pride. We know that God’s desire is that all nations yield to His standards of righteousness and justice but some of us lack understanding of His ways. Romans chapter 13 tells us the higher powers such as earthly government officials are ordained of God, ministers that we are to be subject unto. His intent is that they oppose evil and not good.

We know that some leaders are opposed to God and His righteousness but His way of turning them around is not to oppose them personally. There are several examples in scripture of righteous men and women of God becoming leaders that influenced nations. Daniel honored the king of Babylon for his position without compromising his own personal righteousness. He was a light in a dark place and eventually found favor and influence with Nebuchadnezzar. Joseph honored those in positions of authority over him and found favor in their sight. It opened the door for him to provide wisdom and a solution for the famine in Egypt. David honored king Saul even when Saul was out to destroy him. He allowed God time to work in the situation instead of taking matters into his own hands. As a result David was promoted to ruler over Israel. These examples all show us God’s way of either changing the heart of an existing leader or replacing them.

The manner in which leadership is gained is how it will need to be maintained. If an office is gained through God’s favor He will maintain it in like manner but if we gain a position through strife and criticism we will surely face much of the same as we hold that position.

We too often try to hold the heathen to God’s scriptural standards and it would be good if they adhered to them but they can not. No man without the grace of Christ can keep God’s laws—that’s basic Christianity 101. The only people Jesus confronted over such standards were the religious Pharisees and scribes. They were the ones who took pride in knowing God’s laws so they should have been the best examples of godliness but they were not. It looks somewhat similar out there these days. The religious people are expecting those who do not walk in God’s grace to have the power to do right, but it can’t happen. In fact we who have God’s grace in abundance should be the first to show them grace, not as rewarding evil but empowering them to do right by imparting grace to them, honoring and thanking God for them.

The Heathen Are Cleansed

Peter, in a vision saw all manner of unclean animals lowered down from heaven and he heard the Lord say “arise Peter, kill and eat.” Peter answered saying “not so Lord for I have never eaten anything common or unclean”. This happened three times and Peter understood it to mean that God had cleansed that which was formerly unclean. The gentiles who were previously unable to come to God were now made clean or acceptable. (See Acts 10:13-28) Even before the gentiles received Christ and were converted, God saw them clean. He had called them to salvation and had cleansed them ahead of time as it were. They only needed to come and confess there sins and turn to Christ by faith. Their belief and confession of Christ would seal the deal. The vision Peter had was to reveal a truth and allow him to see the gentiles through the eyes of God.

Thanksgiving and prayer leads to sanctification. (See 1Tim 4:1-6)
In a similar way Paul says food that was formerly unclean can be sanctified or cleansed through thanksgiving and prayer. God used food to illustrate to Peter that the gentiles were now acceptable. The unclean was now made clean through the work of Christ. Paul also tells Timothy that every creature is suitable for food when received with thanksgiving and prayer.

My point is, this principal is still in effect. Our prayer can either set an unbeliever apart unto God for divine influence or the opposite can also occur. A prayer laced with criticism and complaints about ungodly leadership can release more demonic influence upon them. We need to see those who are away from God as though they are clean already. If our prayer for them is not to bless and thank God for them it will likely be tainted with complaints and criticism. We don’t dare allow our enemy to use us and our access to God’s throne to bring accusations against anyone. The devil is the accuser but his only access to God is through misguided believers. We are to represent God’s case before the throne not the devil’s case. God has declared all men innocent by the blood of His Son.

Here again I want to clarify that I am not saying the ungodly are saved by default, obviously not. They are lost until they come to Christ by faith just like we all must do. I am trying to stress there is a difference between seeing men through the eyes of the law and the eyes of faith. Faith sees them as they will be while the law can not see past their faults. That reminds me of a story a young police officer told me. He was riding along in a squad car with an older officer who shared how he hated what he had become over many years. The longer he was on the force the more he looked for people to do something illegal and became obsessed with the desire to catch someone in the wrong. No longer was it innocent until proven guilty but you are guilty and I’ll catch you sooner or later. It is a sad state to be in; always looking for faults in others but that is how legalism can effect Christians as well.

If Christians truly want to win over those in places of authority we need to adorn ourselves with that meek and gentle spirit. How about Paul’s instructions to women whose husbands do not believe? He says basically husbands will not be attracted to Christ by their wife’s preaching the word or even their outward beauty, be it hair, clothes or jewelry, but by the inner beauty of a meek and quiet spirit. This sort of adorning is like a priceless jewel in God’s eyes. (See 1 Peter 3)

America is looking for a true alternative to the leadership they have known. The type of leader America really needs and wants will only be installed by God. Popular votes won’t do it because most Americans do not see as God does, with the eyes of faith. God will raise up those who will submit themselves to the process like Joseph or David and refuse to strike out at the one in authority but honor their position. Where are these leaders, are they locked in a dungeon or hiding in a cave waiting for the favor of God to fall upon them? We may not see that person but God has been grooming and preparing for himself leaders who will not bow to the giants or the controling Jezebels of our day but will defeat that prevailing spirit through God’s Spirit.

Our battle is not against flesh and blood but against wicked spirits of darkness in high places. It is not by human might or power but by the Spirit of God that America will be delivered from the grip of evil.