Why Pray For Politicians?

I heard somewhere that politicians rate the lowest in a questionnaire which ranked professions from most trusted to least. The public have valid reasons for despising these people. Since that's so, why should we Christians buck the trend and pray for such wicked leaders?

Some believers might not realize this but Christ told his followers to respect the position of Caesar and the Pharisees. When certain temple rulers tried to trap him with the question of paying taxes, Jesus asked to see a Roman coin. Then he asked who's face was on it. Matthew 22:21 (BBE) tells us, "They say to him, 'Caesar's.' Then he said to them, 'Give to Caesar the things which are Caesar's, and to God the things which are God's.'"

Paul was of the same mind. He wrote in Romans 13:7 (BBE) that we should, "Give to all what is their right: taxes to him whose they are, payment to him whose right it is, fear to whom fear, honour to whom honour is to be given."

Paul also told his spiritual son the same thing. He wrote in 1 Timothy 2:1 and 2 (BBE) that, "My desire is, first of all, that you will make requests and prayers and give praise for all men; For kings and all those in authority; so that we may have a calm and quiet life in all fear of God and serious behaviour."

Our quiet lives depend upon our respect for God-given governmental authority. As Peter wrote in 1 Peter 2:17 (BBE),we must, "Have respect for all, loving the brothers, fearing God, honouring the king."

We also know that King David had several opportunities to kill King Saul, yet he refused them all. One example is written in 1 Samuel 24:6 and 7 (BBE) when he went into the very cave David and his men hid. "And David said to his men, 'Before the Lord, never let it be said that my hand was lifted up against my lord, the man of the Lord's selection, for the Lord's holy oil has been put on him.' So with these words David kept his servants back, and did not let them make an attack on Saul. And Saul got up and went on his way."

We may feel tempted to fantasize about putting certain evil leaders to death but that job is for God to do. Whenever I feel the temptation to wish some miscreant ruler dead, I beg God's forgiveness.

If our Lord hasn't returned by Thursday, I hope to upload a post about religions forbidding the enjoyment of meat.

Islam and Christianity on Obeying the Government

Another difference between Islam and Christianity is the way in which Muslims and Christians are taught about obedience to the governments of this world. Understanding this difference explains why people in both belief systems act the way they do.

The Quran says in sura 4:60 (WOMEN) that this world's rules are from the Devil. "Have you not observed those who claim that they believe in what was revealed to you, and in what was revealed before you, yet they seek Satanic sources for legislation, in spite of being commanded to reject them? Satan means to mislead them far away."

Their book also teaches that secular laws are secondary compared to what the Quran teaches. Muslims are told  to obey their theocratic religious authorities in all things. Sura 4:59 (anNisa’) reads, "O you who believe! Obey Allah and obey the Messenger and those in authority among you. And if you dispute over anything, refer it to Allah and the Messenger, if you believe in Allah and the Last Day. That is best, and a most excellent determination."

But what does the Bible teach? Paul wrote in Romans 13:1 (BBE) that, "Let everyone put himself under the authority of the higher powers, because there is no power which is not of God, and all powers are ordered by God."

Likewise, he wrote in Romans 13:7 (KJV) that we must, "Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour."

When the Pharisees asked Jesus whether it was right to pay taxes to Caesar, Luke 20:25 (KJV) reads, "And he said unto them, 'Render therefore unto Caesar the things which be Caesar's, and unto God the things which be God's.'"

I could write so much more about how God rules in this world. Instead, I'll leave that for my next book called You Think You're Going to Heaven? We're commanded to only disobey when governments order us to do what God forbids or forbids what God commands us to do.



On Thursday, I'll post about Islam's view of heaven verses what the Bible teaches. Stay tuned.