About the time you will be ready this musing, it will be time for the national political conventions in our country. In my lifetime, I don’t remember a more contentious approach to those events for either party. Seems like everywhere we turn there is frustration and polarization.

Seemed like a good time to review the Biblical principles associated with government. These timeless truths supersede parties or countries or political agendas. The first and most basic principle is that GOD HAS ESTABLISHED GOVERNMENTS.

Romans 13:1 “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.”

Whatever comes out of those conventions has ultimately been “father filtered.” That is not to say that we should not be involved, express our opinions or care what happens. It just underscores the truth, that God is still in charge no matter who wins; which platform planks are agreed to and which party ultimately prevails.

The second principle to keep in mind is that GOD EVEN USES SINFUL MEN AND GOVERNMENTS TO DO HIS WILL.

Acts 4:27-28 “Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant, Jesus, whom you anointed. They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen.”

We can rest in the fact that God is in control of the entire process. Again, that doesn’t mean we have no duty to participate, it just means that the pressure is off us. God is weaving His story, His way.

And lastly, this is a good week to remind us that ALL GOVERNMENTS WILL EVENTUALLY END AND KING JESUS WILL REIGN FOREVER!

Revelation 19:15-16 “Coming out of His mouth is a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. ‘He will rule them with an iron scepter.’ He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. On his robe and on His thigh He has this name written: King of Kings and Lord of Lords.”

So instead of throwing things at the television or arguing with your neighbors till the cows come home, let’s put our faith where it belongs. Engage yes. Enervate, no.

Ultimately, we need to echo the words of Peter and the apostles (Acts 5), “We must obey God rather than men.” And rest in that.