Cup Of Faith Daily Devotional 22 October 2022 – Christian Participation In Politics (3)

TOPIC: Christian Participation In Politics (3)

BIBLE TEXT: “Then Jesus said to them, “Give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.” – Mark 12:17

When Jesus was on earth, He did not reside in a democratic republic like ours. He lived under the oppression of an imperial dictatorship and had no opportunity to cast a ballot. So in today’s text, Jesus instructed his audience to give to Caesar what belonged to Caesar and to God what belonged to God. In today’s text, instead of distancing believers from any connection with a civil government, Jesus indicated that there was a level of responsibility to engage in civic matters. Instead of having political leaders imposed upon us, we have the God-given opportunity to select our leaders.

This implies that God’s people should be instrumental in influencing the selection of leaders. There is wisdom in Christians being at the forefront of selecting leaders who will govern according to God’s principles and will formulate policies more likely to bring God’s favor. Because power resides with the people in our republic, when Christians vote, they are delegating their ruling authority to others. In other words, by voting, Christians are entrusting their “sword-bearing” responsibility to officials who will govern on their behalf. Seen from this perspective, voting is a matter of stewardship; failure to vote is a failure to exercise God-given authority.

As Christians, we have many reasons to care about our government and the political process. Engaging in politics is not only unavoidable, it is also an opportunity to honor God and show love to our neighbors. With the right to vote, we have a unique opportunity and duty to affect the political process. Christians should, therefore, prayerfully approach the issue of political engagement and seek godly counsel. We must filter all issues, candidates, and party platforms through a Christian worldview and submit them to God’s Word.

Voting is a matter of stewardship, and Christians should be encouraged and equipped to steward their vote in a way that honors God and demonstrates love for their neighbors. Since the gospel applies to all areas of life, including politics and public policy, we must connect between biblical principles and political responsibilities.

Beloved of God, compelled by love for our neighbors and a desire to steward our God-given responsibilities, we must, as Christians, engage in the political process. But we must engage biblically. This requires that we be prepared to grapple with the moral issues of our day, and follow our Christian convictions to their logical end by voting for candidates and parties that support clear biblical values.

PROPHETIC PRAYER

I pray for you today:

1. May you not be negligent of your responsibilities in the name of Jesus.
2. You will not fail nor disappoint God.
3. Your honor will not become another man’s honor.
4. Your inheritance will not be hijacked from you.
5. Receive divine turn around this weekend.

So shall it be in Jesus name. Amen.

Enjoy your weekend.

CHRIST IS THE ANSWER.

Yours in Christ,
Revd Dr. Bayo Sola Aremu
Church pastor
Yaba Baptist Church
Sabo-Yaba, Lagos

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