Baruti are for a higher calling
Pastors are increasingly raising their hands for political office. But should men and women of the cloth be entangled in politics?
There is an interesting appeal by Apostle Paul in 1 Timothy 2:1-4 for the church “to pray for all people, for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved.”
While governments during Paul’s time were evil and harsh towards the church, he did not physically fight with it and never wished for it to be removed. In addition, there were serious human rights violations in those days. One of the reasons the book of Hebrews was written was to strengthen believers during Nero's persecution.
Paul’s emphasis however, was to pray for all those in authority, for the ultimate goal that all men be saved. He simply gave to Caesar what belonged to Caesar. He never thought it was his place to point out the corruption in the government. And most importantly, never saw the government as the source of his livelihood. He did not look to government for his financial and social security. He knew God could supply all his needs according to his riches in glory and he trusted in the God "who gives us all things to enjoy.”
In that context, prayer was never for a good economy or good leaders or corrupt-free government. As long as politicians are not born again, such will always be there. The main role of a Pastor therefore is to remain neutral and help the flock to see the bigger picture, which is the will of God. To see all men saved.
The biggest problem today is that the masses have put all their trust in the hands of politicians for bread and butter issues and that is why people are ever frustrated.
If Pastors help the church to see the bigger picture, believers will trust more in God who “richly gives all things to enjoy.” If believers and people in general see their spiritual leaders putting all their hope in politics, they may shipwreck their faith.
When Pastors openly align with a certain political position, they are bound to hurt some members of their congregations, especially those who are of the opposite side. Yours, Man of God, is to remain neutral and lead people of God in God's way. Of course the people must play their role and exercise their right in choosing their political leaders but not with your influence.
What do we know about the will of God concerning such matters? Pastors who are vying for political office will all believe in their heart that the political party they are representing is the right party to take over government, and that it is the will of God.
There is an interesting appeal by Apostle Paul in 1 Timothy 2:1-4 for the church “to pray for all people, for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved.”
While governments during Paul’s time were evil and harsh towards the church, he did not physically fight with it and never wished for it to be removed. In addition, there were serious human rights violations in those days. One of the reasons the book of Hebrews was written was to strengthen believers during Nero's persecution.
Paul’s emphasis however, was to pray for all those in authority, for the ultimate goal that all men be saved. He simply gave to Caesar what belonged to Caesar. He never thought it was his place to point out the corruption in the government. And most importantly, never saw the government as the source of his livelihood. He did not look to government for his financial and social security. He knew God could supply all his needs according to his riches in glory and he trusted in the God "who gives us all things to enjoy.”
In that context, prayer was never for a good economy or good leaders or corrupt-free government. As long as politicians are not born again, such will always be there. The main role of a Pastor therefore is to remain neutral and help the flock to see the bigger picture, which is the will of God. To see all men saved.
The biggest problem today is that the masses have put all their trust in the hands of politicians for bread and butter issues and that is why people are ever frustrated.
If Pastors help the church to see the bigger picture, believers will trust more in God who “richly gives all things to enjoy.” If believers and people in general see their spiritual leaders putting all their hope in politics, they may shipwreck their faith.
When Pastors openly align with a certain political position, they are bound to hurt some members of their congregations, especially those who are of the opposite side. Yours, Man of God, is to remain neutral and lead people of God in God's way. Of course the people must play their role and exercise their right in choosing their political leaders but not with your influence.
What do we know about the will of God concerning such matters? Pastors who are vying for political office will all believe in their heart that the political party they are representing is the right party to take over government, and that it is the will of God.
