No Political Solutions for Spiritual Problems

The presidential election is coming very soon. Every election is important, but this one seems to be of much greater significance than most, because there are two very clear directions in front of us as we go to the polls. Christians must examine the issues and party platforms, and we must be very careful not to vote for those who stand on unbiblical grounds, no matter how much we may like some small portion of what a party stands for. Self-interest must be put aside for the greater good. However things turn out, it is imperative that we not be accomplices to helping unrighteousness prevail. We only answer for what we do, not for what others may do.

 

Even though we must meet our obligations as temporary citizens here and must stand for right, we must also remember that the major problem in our nation has nothing whatsoever to do with politics. The problem with the United States is not political; it is spiritual, and there are no political solutions for spiritual problems. As a country, we have turned our collective backs on righteousness and truth. Scripture describes us well. "Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight! Woe to men mighty at drinking wine, woe to men valiant for mixing intoxicating drink, who justify the wicked for a bribe, and take away justice from the righteous man!" (Isaiah 5:20-23, NKJV).

 

No human effort, including politics, can offer a real solution to spiritual problems. Changing laws and policies can put a temporary bandage on the problem, but these things are not long-term solutions. Laws and policies, not matter how well-intentioned and how popular, can be changed back as soon as a new group of politicians gets into power. All noble-sounding human efforts to help people are doomed to fail and result in even greater problems and corruption, because they do not attack the root of the problem but only treat the symptoms.

 

"For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places" (Ephesians 6:12, NKJV).

 

"For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ" (2 Corinthians 10:3-5, NKJV).

 

King Nebuchadnezzar saw himself as something really important, but his judgment came on him because of his arrogance, and he was told it would last "...until you know that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomever He chooses." (Daniel 4:32, NKJV).

 

God is in control of all things, and He does what pleases Him.

 

"But our God is in heaven; He does whatever He pleases" (Psalm 115:3, NKJV).

 

"For I know that the Lord is great, and our Lord is above all gods. Whatever the Lord pleases He does, in heaven and in earth, in the seas and in all deep places" (Psalm 135:5-6, NKJV).

 

Our hope is in Him, not in politicians and government. Sometimes godly leaders are in power, and a nation prospers and is blessed. Other times, ungodly leaders are used as God's judgment on a nation. Sometimes God allows people to make very poor choices and then live with the consequences. Maybe that is where the United States is headed. Obviously, we all want things to come out in a way that pleases us. That may or may not happen. However, we can rest assured that nothing happens without God's permission, and ultimately, all things do work out for the good of His people.