a word on Christians and politics...

Last night the polls here in Canada closed, the votes were tallied, and a Conservative majority government led by Stephen Harper was announced. It was an election called because the other parties thought they stood a chance of turning the tables on Harper and spurring on change in our country. Well, change did come, but not in the form that the opposition had hoped.

Don't worry, this isn't going to be some highly-charged political post in which I stand on my soapbox, rant about my viewpoints, and shame you for holding any contrary opinions. Frankly, whether or not we are happy about the results, it doesn't really matter. The government is set. It's fixed. It's a done deal for four years.

This post is for Christians - for people who call on the name of the Lord, trusting in His atoning sacrifice for salvation. We have a very important task at hand - much more important than casting a vote. Yes, people in other countries DIE for the right to vote. Yes, it is a privilege. But, the importance of that privilege is one that has now expired. Canada voiced it's opinion, and now we have what we asked for. What is infinitely more important and powerful than a vote is the Christian's ability to pray. This relationship we have with Jesus Christ, the salvation we've received by HIS merit and HIS precious blood is something people have been dying for throughout nearly all of history. Instead of grumbling about our country's leadership, we should be praying for it. Pray specifically for those in charge. Pray for the conviction of the Holy Spirit upon their lives. No man is above conviction, and no man is below salvation. Press forward and intercede for those God has placed over us. Don't just grudgingly wait four years and feel like making an "X" on a card is all you can do - all you're required to do.

I'd like to point you to 1 Timothy 2, where the command to pray is made quite obvious:

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, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time.
(1 Timothy 2:1-6 ESV)

Not only should we pray for our authorities, but we should also respect them. 

Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, for he is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer. Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God's wrath but also for the sake of conscience. For because of this you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God, attending to this very thing. Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed.      

(Romans 13:1-7 ESV)

God is sovereign - even over politics. Trust Him, be obedient to Him, and do your part for your country.