Every U.S. presidential election, at some point, is deemed, “The most important election in our generation.” Whether this is accurate, each presidential election is important. In fact, any election is important, especially given what Scripture has to say about government and leadership.
The Text
Below are a few of the many verses that give specific instructions about interacting with secular authority. Because this is a presidential election year, and because it could be “the most important election in our generation,” it might be good to freshen up on the subject. Take note not only of the instructions, but also any reasons given as to why this subject is important.
Titus 3:1-2
Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men.
Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.
1 Peter 2:17
…fear God, honor the emperor.
Think About It
We youth worker types are a politically enthusiastic bunch, voting much more frequently than national averages. But what do we do when our candidate loses? I know what I learn: I become more focused on winning the next election than on showing respect, doing good and giving honor to the candidate in office.
This is not a biblical response.
When I consider examples such as Daniel, Esther, Nehemiah and Paul—God’s people who interacted with their secular authorities (which included ruthless leaders they likely would not have voted for if given the chance)—I see their interaction as full of honor and respect. God has been very clear in His Word about how He wants His people to relate to those in authority. It goes far deeper than my favorite candidate winning the next election, and our responsibility could appear to be support for the candidate who beat my preferred also-ran.
Apply It
We may not all be called to political activism, but one could argue that we are all called to political awareness, seeking opportunities to live the Scripture verses above. For youth workers, it’s an untapped vein of application—you don’t see “Become politically aware” at the top of a youth worker’s ministry goals for teens. Still, as our teens apply this vital biblical theme to their lives, we will see them engaging the culture with fresh ideas, exercising their leadership muscle and enjoying the benefits of obedience.
Need a couple ideas to get started? Try these, but don’t take a step until the passages we just read have seeped into your inner political enthusiast and you’re ready to model what you’re asking your teens to do.
• Make an appointment with your mayor or first-level elected representative (e.g., city council representative) to discuss your community’s top five needs. Keep it brief, no more than 30 minutes. (Be respectful of his or her time). Find out if there are opportunities to volunteer.
• Write on a calendar the date of the next election or the first election in which you’re eligible to vote. Be sure to note the voter registration deadline.
Author Blurb
Barry Shafer has been in youth ministry for more than 20 years. As director of InWord Resources (InWord.org) he has written numerous Bible studies and is author of Unleashing God’s Word in Youth Ministry (Youth Specialties/Zondervan). To go deeper with your students on the subject of political awareness, check out InWord’s small-group study For Such a Time as Now!
