How to for Citizens Trying to Balance Faith and Politics

Sharing is caring!

On the average day, how well do you balance your faith and politics?

For some, it’s easy. They focus solely on one and ignore the other. For others, the tension of conflicting ideas is just part of life.

Some believe it’s better to avoid anything related to the government. They don’t vote, serve in the military, or work for the state.

Others separate their faith from politics, believing the church has authority over spiritual issues and the government over physical.

Then, there are those who believe it’s a believer’s responsibility to do all they can to improve the world politically. They work to ensure that the church and the government collaborate for the betterment of all.

So, what is the right way for us to balance faith and politics?

Paul wrote…

Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished.

Romans 13:1–2

Paul was writing to people living under an authoritarian pagan government. Why would the Spirit inspire him to tell them to submit to and obey ungodly leaders?

Because God wanted His children to know that both good leaders and bad are placed in their positions of power according to His will. Although we may not understand why, God allows bad people to hold positions of authority. God understands, and that’s what matters.

Basic Truths to Balance Faith and Politics

1. Obeying God is our main priority. God has given us His moral standards for life, and as His children, we are called to trust and obey Him.

Remember Paul’s words in Romans 12…

I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.

Romans 12:1

2. It’s important to obey the Government unless that obedience causes us to disobey God.

Peter and the other apostles replied: “We must obey God rather than human beings!

Acts 5:29

3. Community living includes paying taxes and caring for one another.

That’s also why you pay taxes—so that an orderly way of life can be maintained. Fulfill your obligations as a citizen. Pay your taxes, pay your bills, respect your leaders.

Romans 13:6 (MSG)

4. And praying for all people in leadership positions.

I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them^.  Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.

1 Timothy 2:1–2

I wonder, do we complicate the balance of faith and politics unnecessarily?

If people of faith focused on obeying God and praying for their leaders, they would be better citizens and less politically divided.

It’s our love for God and His Kingdom values that should guide our engagement with others politically, socially, and spiritually.

Let’s pray and ask God to help and guide us…

A Prayer for God’s Help to Balance Faith and Politics

Heavenly Father, You created us to live in community. Because we are sinners, it has always been a challenge for us to live together peacefully. So, we select people to be in charge and make rules for the rest of us.

When those rules are based on Your Commandments, it is easier for Your children to balance faith and politics. But when political power and control become a priority, when we don’t all agree, it is much more difficult.

Forgive us for failing to TRUST and OBEY Your will as it is found in Your Word. We are guilty of taking sides with people who tell us what we want to hear. You said this would happen, and based on Scripture, it’s nothing new.

I pray that we will follow Your truth found in Chronicles: “If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14)

Please give us humble hearts willing to obey You. Give us the strength to obey the government and willingly pay taxes unless we are told to disobey You. Teach us the truth of obedience as we SEEK a closer relationship with You.

Please give us leaders who KNOW, LOVE, and TRUST You. Men and women who want to honor You with obedience and lead us in doing the same. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

A quote that blessed me…

 “It is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor.” ~ George Washington

May we faithfully pray for our leaders and for every average citizen to turn to God in faith. May we trust and obey God by obeying laws, unless those laws insist that we disobey Him.

And may we remember that God is sovereign. He will accomplish His plans and purposes. He is in control, even when leaders fail to trust Him and obey.

Don’t be discouraged and don’t be afraid. God is with us. He spoke through Isaiah…

The Lord of Heaven’s Armies has sworn this oath: “It will all happen as I have planned. It will be as I have decided.

Isaiah 14:24

We would love to pray for you.
You can leave your prayer requests here…

and even take a few minutes to pray over the list left by our friends.

Never Miss an Update

Leave your email address and I’ll send you a short email every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday to alert you to each new devotion. Plus you’ll receive a copy of 30 Ways to Bless Your Marriage and Keep the Spark Burning

I always enjoy hearing from you! Please take a minute to say ‘hi” and share your thoughts in the comments below.

And if this article blessed or helped you today — would you share it with someone? Maybe a friend, family member, coworker, or through the links below…

Thanks again for visiting! Don’t forget to check out the links below to find additional posts that will bless you…

Sharing is caring!