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Pray for kings and all those in authority

There’s an old adage that says, “Never talk religion or politics!”

There’s an old adage that says, “Never talk religion or politics!”

I make my living from religion, so I’ve mostly avoided discussing politics. However, I’m going to make an exception by bringing up a political issue ... in a non-partisan fashion and with a biblical application.

The issue is relative to the well-known former TV journalist and senator, Mike Duffy. He, along with Prime Minister Stephen Harper, Nigel Wright and several others through guilt by association, are receiving serious criticism recently.

Duffy claimed his cottage in Prince Edward Island as his primary residence. This resulted in his receiving an annual allowance of more than $40,000. It’s an established fact that Duffy has lived and worked in Ottawa for decades. Moreover, neighbours to his cottage in Cavendish, P.E.I., say that they seldom see him there ... oversimplified and abbreviated, but hence the criticism.

Both our human nature and the negatively charged media prompt us to criticize leadership ... but did you know that the Bible tells us that for Christians prayer, not criticism, is the first line of action relative to those who are in authority over us? Paul told Christians that they should pray, “… for kings and all those in authority.” (1 Timothy 2:2)

In case we think that the admonition to pray is negated by questionable behaviour or poor example on the part of leaders, consider the prayer of Tertullian (160-225 AD). He prayed for those who in his words were, “rending us with iron claws, hanging us on crosses, wrapping us in flames, taking our heads from us with swords, letting loose wild beasts upon us ...”

His prayer for those who were responsible for the aforementioned atrocities was, “... from the heart, without ceasing, for all our emperors … We pray for life prolonged; for security to the Empire; for protection to the Imperial house; for brave armies, a faithful Senate, a virtuous people, the world at rest …”

Don’t get me wrong ... I am in no way suggesting that everything done by our leaders is correct or upright. In fact, I find this recent fiasco rather appalling. What I am proposing is twofold. First, the practice of criticizing leadership in general, or our politicians in particular, even though it might seem the in-thing to do, is an unacceptable practice for Christians.

Second, imagine the difference that might be made upon our leaders, our country, and even our lives if we spent the time praying that we do denouncing! How long has it been since you’ve prayed for your leaders?

“I urge you to … pray for all people. Ask God to help them ... and give thanks for them ... Pray ... for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives ... This is good and pleases God our Savior.” (1 Timothy 2:1–3)

Pastor Ross Helgeton is senior pastor at Erskine Evangelical Free Church.

— Faith & Reflection