POL'ITICS, n. The science of government; that part of ethics which consists in the regulation and government of a nation or state, for the preservation of its safety, peace and prosperity; comprehending the defense of its existence and rights against foreign control or conquest, the augmentation of its strength and resources, and the protection of its citizens in their rights, with the preservation and improvement of their morals. Politics, as a science or an art, is a subject of vast extent and importance.
politics (current Merriam-Webster's Dictionary)
Function: noun plural but singular or plural in construction
1 a : the art or science of government b : the art or science concerned with guiding or influencing governmental policy c : the art or science concerned with winning and holding control over a government
2 : political actions, practices, or policies
3 a : political affairs or business; especially : competition between competing interest groups or individuals for power and leadership (as in a government) b : political life especially as a principal activity or profession c : political activities characterized by artful and often dishonest practices
4 : the political opinions or sympathies of a person
5 a : the total complex of relations between people living in society b : relations or conduct in a particular area of experience especially as seen or dealt with from a political point of view
I felt the need to post this as the culture war heats up moving toward the elections later this year. The first definition came out of a culture seeking truth; the second, out of a culture moving ever closer to a belief that nothing is true. It should not surprise us that the first is an accurate description of God's design within government, and the second removes all mention of Him (or morality/ethics).
As Christians, it is critical that we remember Biblical principles: Barack Obama is not the President merely because he received a majority of the popular vote and enough electoral college votes: he is the President of the United States because God ordained that he be so (Romans 13:1).
While many of us disagree with him on his policies, we are called upon to both submit to his authority and to honor him (Romans 13:2-7, I Peter 2:13-17). This goes beyond just not saying something bad - we must honor him. To be direct: stop the rude jokes, the altered pictures, the crass stories, the twisted Bible verses, and the general hatred. But that is only the beginning: we must pray for him, upholding him before the True Sovereign who rules over all kings. And beyond President Obama, this goes for how we should treat anyone on the "other side of the aisle."
What should our goal be in politics, or any other area of life? Whatever we do, we must do it to the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31). Tell me - if you can - how mockery of our leadership (or those we disagree with) brings glory to God? How does our typical political discourse lead anyone to knowledge of the Truth we claim?
So, as political discussion intensifies, I dare you to be different. I challenge you, fellow Christian, to be humble. Authority in this world is given at the discretion of God alone, whom we claim to serve, and we must humble ourselves to submission. Our nation needs us now more than ever, but not just to point out problem with the current administration or an opposing view. We need to be able to point our fellow citizens back to the foundation stone of our nation. And this is not merely the Constitution, but something far greater. Consider once again 2 Timothy 2:24-26...
"And the Lord's servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will."
