"Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God… For the one in authority is God's servant for your good… This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing. Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor."
- Romans 13:1-7
tl;dr: No community this week. Take the time off to vote, watch the election, and pray. Feel free to stop by Sam and Kerri's if you'd like to hang out. Text one of us if you'd like your name in the pot for dinner: 509-432-1518
Around 56 A.D. Paul, by inspiration of the Holy Spirit, wrote to encourage and exhort the gathering of believers in Rome. His letter is rich in doctrine but it's overall message is clear: the Gospel is the power of God through which we are made children of God and co-heirs with Christ unto life and freedom.
Because of the Gospel each of us should offer ourself as a "living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God–this is [our] true and proper worship" (Rom 12:1). We do so by serving one another with great humility (Rom 12:3-8), and with great love (Rom 12:9). We are not to "be overcome by evil, but overcome evil by good" (Rom 12:21).
And how do we overcome evil with good? Pauls suggests we do so by submitting ourselves to governmental authority and by performing our civic responsibilities (Rom 13:1-7). For the church in Rome this was no trite command, as Nero was the emperor at that time.
Some years later, but while the Church was still broadly persecuted, Justin Martyr, defending the Christian faith to the emperor, wrote that Christians were found to be moral, upright, and law-abiding citizens who were the empire's "best allies in securing good order."
My hope for our community is that, as citizens of God's Kingdom, we would be upstanding citizens of the state and our countries 'best allies'. We are ambassadors for the Lord, and like any ambassador we show off what citizenship in our home country is like. Therefore, may we be well-informed, rational and reasonable, humble, and always loving. May we honor our leaders, especially our current and future president. Most of all, may we joyfully practice both our civic duties and civic opportunities.
On Tuesday we elect new leaders for our state and country. More than that, on Tuesday we decide on numerous new legislature. Voting may not be a civic duty, per se, but it certainly is a civic opportunity. As US citizens and as Christians we have the freedom not to vote, but I believe by abstaining we quietly lose witness in a nation that values democracy. "Voting is an opportunity to tell our neighbors–believers and non-believers alike–that we are committed to a vision of a good life" (Micah Watson, TGC).
The loudest political voice most of us will ever have is through our vote. So, let us speak loudly. Let us choose leaders and laws that will help maintain order and care for the needs of our country.
We won't be having community group on Tuesday so that each of us may be free to participate in our democracy as we see fit. If you haven't voted by Tuesday, I'd strongly encourage you to go vote that evening. Ballots can be dropped off at the Beaverton Library and must be received by 8pm. Additionally, watch the results of the election. Explain to your children why it matters and what the Bible teaches about government. And pray for our future leaders.
Kerri and I will be at our place. We'll be watching the results (including Colbert's live coverage) and spending some time in prayer. Anyone is welcome to come over and hang out with us. It'll probably be more exciting and rowdy than watching the super bowl.
Our address is: 6695 SW Princess Ave, Beaverton, OR 97008. It's just around the corner from our normal meeting location. Let us know if you'd like your name in the pot for dinner: 509-432-1518.
Democracy isn't perfect. But we shouldn't live in cynicism or apathy. We know that God appoints all authorities for our good. We know that one day we will have a perfect leader. The hour is coming when all wicked things of the world will be cast out, and we will live with our loving King on the wholly-redeemed earth; come quickly, Lord Jesus.
In the meantime, let's vote and pray.
Cheers and much love,
Sam
p.s. OPB has a great visual resource to help make sense of the 2016 ballot measures: http://www.opb.org/news/series/election-2016/oregon-ballot-election-voters-guide-2016-measures/
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