A ministry I'm familar with in the state capital recently sent me an end of session update. It's easy to become dissapointed in the process. Pastor Frank Erb offers some suggestions. I thought they were worth sharing as we enter another election season.
From Pastor Erb of Capital Commission:
What should we do? Here are some suggestions, in order of importance.
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1. Praise. No matter what happens in our state or our nation, let’s continue to praise God. He is sovereign, His kingdom is solid, He is still in charge, He is not afraid, and His plans will ultimately succeed. Remember, God is not a Republican or a Democrat or ... dare I say it ... even an American. He is above this temporary world system, and as his people we are spiritually “seated … with him in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 2:6).
2. Persevere. God calls us to stand firm in our faith. Our nation's moral decline is in large part a result of a spiritually weak church. I see this demonstrated firsthand in the Capitol. Unfortunately, few legislators, even among those who call themselves Christians, are really strong in their commitment to know and follow God’s Word. No wonder they make some of the laws they do! We who follow the Lord must stay super-close to Him so that we can continue to bring His light to this increasingly dark world.
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Philippians 2:15-16a You are “children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life.”
3. Pray. God has commanded us to pray for those in authority. There is a very real spiritual battle being fought for the souls of our leaders, and we need to intercede on their behalf.
1 Timothy 2:1-2a “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life ...”
4. Proclaim. Jesus commissioned us to make disciples of all people, including our leaders, by proclaiming the Good News to them, baptizing them, and then teaching them to know and obey His word (Matthew 28:18-20). This is what the early believers did and it is what eventually transformed the government of the Roman Empire from one that viciously persecuted Christians into one that welcomed them.
Acts 26:28 “And [King] Agrippa said to Paul, “In a short time would you persuade me to be a Christian?” And Paul said, “Whether short or long, I would to God that not only you but also all who hear me this day might become such as I am…”
5. Participate. It is good for believers to participate in the political process. After all, Abraham Lincoln declared ours to be a “government of the people, by the people, for the people.” That's us! You might want to contact the Governor regarding some bills, and we should all vote in the upcoming election. Notice though (and this is missed by too many) that political action is fifth on our list of priorities and should never come before or replace the other four.
As we do these five things, in this order, God will be glorified and, by His mercy, He may even renew and restore California and America!
