1996 was the first presidential election in which I was old enough to vote. There was a sense of pride as I cast my ballot, believing my vote was a contribution toward something bigger than myself. I hate to admit it, but over time, that excitement faded. Like many, I became jaded, feeling like my voice didn’t matter amidst the noise of political chaos. Have you ever felt that way? Disillusioned by promises broken or by the endless bickering in the news? Politics can often feel like a battleground, making it easy to question the whole system. But what if we realized that government, with all its flaws, was God’s idea from the start?
Have you ever felt disillusioned with politics? Maybe you’ve found yourself on both ends of the spectrum—sometimes fully engaged, and other times completely apathetic. It’s easy to think that government is nothing but a source of frustration, especially when the world seems divided. But did you know that government was God’s idea?
From the beginning, God established the concept of authority. In Genesis, after the flood, He gave humanity the responsibility to protect life and ensure justice. Then in Romans, Paul reaffirms that government is part of God’s design. It’s a system meant to promote good and punish evil. While human governments are far from perfect, they serve a divine purpose.
Understanding this truth changes the way we engage with politics. Instead of viewing government as a necessary evil, we can see it as part of God’s plan to bring order and justice to the world. As believers, we are called to respect and honor those in authority, not because they are perfect, but because God uses them for His purposes.
Reflection Questions:
- How does viewing government as part of God’s plan shift your perspective on politics?
- In what ways can you honor those in authority, even when you disagree with them?
- How can you engage with politics in a way that reflects your faith?