The picture above is why we are in Iraq. These are the people who were killed on 9/11. The purpose for going into Iraq was to dipose Saddam and attack members of the Al Queda network that flew planes into the World Trade Centers and The Pentagon. When President George Bush declared “Mission Accomplished,” he was referring to Saddam no longer being in power and disrupting the terrorist network previously mentioned.
Will we win the war? That’s not my call. But as a Christian I am called to do some very specific things when it comes to our leaders… regardless of who they may be or what party they’re from or what policies they implement. In other words, as a believer in Christ I am not given an option as to how I am to relate to the government. Consider…
1 Timothy 2:1-3 (Click to read). Christians are to pray for our leaders! Not prey on them with our words. That means we must constantly lift them up in prayer for God to give them wisdom, discernment, and strength. It is wholly improper for us to malign our leaders. We are to be encouragers, not destroyers. When we pray for our leaders this pleases God (1 Tim 2:3).
Romans 13:1-6 (Click to read). We are to subject ourselves to the government because it has been instituted by God. If I, or any believer, resists the government we are resisting God (Vs 2). Government is God’s servant (Deacon) to carry out His will (Vs 4). So as believers we are called to support those in authority over us.
1 Peter 2:13-17 (Click to read). It is God’s will that Christians obey the government and by so doing we silence those who criticize us. In other words, how we relate to the government in front of others as an effect on our evangelistic opportunities!
I am not saying that we are to support the government when it violates God’s laws and dictates. If that is the case we must disobey AND be ready to willingly accept the punishement for our disobedience. It is worth remembering that Jesus Himself said, “Render to Ceasar what is Ceasar’s and unto God what is God’s.” And don’t forget that God controls the heart of every government official, turning it as He wills (Proverbs 21:1).
Because of Proverbs 21:1, I know this much… No matter how much it may seem that things are out of control, GOD is IN CONTROL!
I don’t have all the answers to the problems our nation finds ourselves in in Iraq. It is too complicated and politicians have so mucked up everything it is difficult to know who is telling the truth and who isn’t. I don’t know who is right and who is wrong when I listen to them. So that is why I fall back on the things I do know that I can do… those things which God has given me in His Word. Thus the three passages above.
I’ve heard before… “If you didn’t vote then you can’t complain.” I don’t know about that, but I do know that if I’m not praying for my leaders as commanded by God then I am at least disobedient if not rebellious. I’d rather be faithful in prayer. That way I know that whatever happens… even though I may not understand or like it… I have committed it to the hands of God who is merciful, gracious, and all wise. Him I can trust!