Balancing Honor and Subversiveness: living post election
I believe there is an intrinsic subversiveness in Jesus’ message of the Kingdom. The New Testament evangelist did not shy away from ascribing to Jesus terms reserved for the Emperor himself. King of the Jews. Ruler. Savior. Son of God. Jesus’ message was disruptive to the divisive class system of his time. He taught a form of social protest in retaliation to the oppression common in the Galilean countryside. Just calling it the kingdom reeks of rebellion.
Simultaneously, Christ followers are told to render to Caesar and make supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions.
Regardless who you supported (or didn’t support for that matter) in this recently election, everyone must answer a question. How should I act toward government.
I have heard people from any number of political backgrounds (both Christian and non) say, “If ___________ wins the election, I’m leaving this country.” or “I can’t live in a country with ___________ as it’s president.” Interestingly enough, they never seem to follow through. To be honest, I have entertained similar thoughts. Where does this attitude come from? Why is there such vitriol absurdity?
So, how should Christ followers, who are faced with reconciling the subversive nature their faith and the call to honor authority. Peter’s words on the subject seem quite fitting.
Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.
Keep in mind who was the emperor he is telling them to honor. Nero.
At the end of the day, whatever your political persuasion, you must balance honor and subversion.
Jesus, politics, spirituality, theology
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honor, kingdom, polotics, post election, subversion, theology
I agree with you on the subversion issue. I am sickened by unadulterated nationalism in the church. “For God and country” is the country’s idea, not God’s.
Whither are you tempted to move? I mean, do Libertarians rule any country?
way to go Richard-you rock!! i had no idea-the star wars thing should have tipped me off though, hu??
I just recently had a conversation with a gentleman who had already figured out he was going to move to Sweden, and had a fairly elaborate plan. As silly as it sounds, I felt obligated to remind the group that was taking part that “God is in control.” Of course, being apolitical isn’t the answer, but in my observation it seems like there are a lot of people impassioned more by politics then by faith. God has a history of working through government, and we are right to recognize the blessings that come (from God, regardless of the medium), but certainly not make more than it is.
@beth
thanks for taking a look see at the site and for the props. i hope you will find posts that interest you here in the future. i’m glad we have the chance to work together at chcc and am looking forward to the future. take care and feel free to jump into the conversation here anytime.
Did you get that date for 1 Peter from Eusebius, Richard?
nero ruled from 54 to 68. i don’t know anyone that thinks peter lived much beyond 68. if you assume 1 peter was written by peter (which i think is fairly reasonable) then it would either have to be during nero or very early. is the opening reference to dispersion talking about the aftermath of the execution of stephen and the closing reference to babylon talking about jerusalem? otherwise, it would be late in peter’s life. so, if peter wrote this, it’s most likely under the rule of nero.