“Never discuss religion and politics in polite conversation.” That’s the wise old adage that most of us have heard, but few of us embrace. We Americans are passionate beings and we find it especially difficult not to talk about one or the other.
Recently, however, I found myself reading familiar words in the Bible, slowing down a bit to ask myself whether I really followed the given directive. In 1 Timothy 2:1-2, the Apostle Paul writes:
“I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.”
The apostle commands us to pray for everyone including, “kings and all those in authority.” In fact, one wonders whether Paul intentionally places first in order “kings and all those in authority” to denote those most needful of our prayers. In any case, we must ask ourselves whether we are faithfully following the Bible’s teaching of praying for our political leaders.
As a Christian minister during this election season, I’ll be the first to admit that I have spent more time talking about political leaders than I have praying for them. Indeed many of us may find it easier to debate whether God is a Republican or a Democrat than to actually pray for our political leaders.
My understanding of this text is heightened by recalling who Paul’s “king” was at the time he wrote this letter. Paul ordered Christians to pray for those in authority at the very time Nero was reigning as emperor of Rome.
Nero is remembered for his tyrannical rule and infamous executions, including those of his own mother and step brother. He is also recalled for his growing hatred of Christians and relentless persecution of them.
The non-Christian historian Tacitus tells us that when Rome burned in AD 64 Nero, searching for a scapegoat to take blame for the fire, falsely accused the Christians.
In Book 15 of the Annals, Tacitus records Nero’s heinous treatment of the innocent victims: “Covered with the skins of beasts, they were torn by dogs and perished, or were nailed to crosses, or were doomed to the flames and burnt, to serve as a nightly illumination when daylight had expired.”
This is the man for whom the Apostle Paul tells his readers to pray. This man, before whom church tradition tells us Paul himself would eventually die, is the very one for whom Paul urges regular prayer on the part of all Christians.
Given that historical context, we may well find ourselves all the more convicted by the Bible’s teaching. Let us commit to spending at least as much time talking to God about our political leaders as we do in talking to others about them.
What About You?
- Do you regularly pray for your political leaders and others in authority over you?
- Why is it often easier to talk about political leaders than to pray for them?
- Consider using helpful online resources to guide you as you pray.
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