Articles
What Daniel Can Teach America
There is no place in Scripture which addresses the unique political situation we enjoy in the United States. No one in the Bible voted for president or governor. Consequently, we sometimes struggle to understand our role in the government as Christians. Should we get involved, and if so how much? What issues are most important? Which candidate should I vote for? As an Israelite living in Babylonian exile, Daniel can help us think through this by illustrating five relevant principles.
Balance your priorities. Daniel was very active in the Babylonian government (albeit, not by choice), yet he remained faithful to God his entire life. Some have suggested Christians should not get involved in government lest we share in its corruption. Others become so consumed with politics that it becomes their god. Daniel illustrates that we can find proper balance. He accepted his Babylonian education without protest, but drew a line when they violated his principles (Dan. 1:3-8). While we may vote or even serve in public office God always comes first. “Seek first the kingdom of God” (Matt. 6:33). “Give to God what is God’s” (Matt. 22:21).
Show genuine respect and consideration for our leaders. Let’s be honest: as a nation we have lost the ability to honor those with whom we disagree. We should take note when Daniel speaks respectfully to Nebuchadnezzar (Dan. 4:19,27). Not only did he wish well for the pagan king, he cared about his soul! Do we temper what we post on Facebook about the issue of the day? Does our speech “honor the king” (1 Pet. 2:17)?
Communicate your values thoughtfully. With free speech often comes foolish speech. There is no doubt Daniel carried strong convictions even as a young man, yet he communicated those values prudently and tactfully (Dan. 1:8; 2:14; 3:16-18; 4:19,27). How rare (and refreshing!) it is to see someone calmly presenting his argument with reason and grace! In order to express what we believe there is no need to shout, demean, call names, and attack the opponent. Everyone loses when we do that! Instead, “let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt” (Col. 4:6).
Pray to God. Daniel was a man of prayer. He prayed in times of crisis (Dan. 2:17-18), under threat of death (Dan. 6:10), and in response to Scripture (Dan. 9:2-3). Prayer is key to our government’s success. One prayer is more powerful than a thousand votes. The New Testament tells us to pray for “kings and all those who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity” (1 Tim. 2:2). How would things be different if we prayed more than we ranted on Facebook? We need to be constantly praying for our leaders’ decisions, understanding, and success – on both sides of the aisle!
Maintain a God-centered perspective of the world. God rules over human kingdoms to accomplish his will and vindicate his people. That is Daniel’s theme. It is God who removes and raises kings (Dan. 2:21). God rules over a kingdom will never be destroyed (Dan. 2:44). God humbles powerful tyrants and rescues faithful servants (Dan. 3-6). No matter who is in power on earth, there is no question as to who rules from heaven. Daniel lived under this perspective. He did not let temporary political situations undermine his faith in the eternal God. Whatever happens, God still rules. And I’m thankful for that!
It goes without saying that the times are politically turbulent. Animosity and prejudice are dividing. Mutual respect and civil discussion are dying. Common sense and moral restrain are cast aside. The answer is not a better candidate or better laws. The answer is God and the gospel of his kingdom reigning now through Christ. No president can bring this kind of reform. It happens with you and me, doing whatever good we find to do every day to exalt Christ.
The world needs people like Daniel to be active in administrative affairs, influence the nations for good, promote justice, and call out evil. Above all, the world needs people like Daniel who serve the Most High God as their king.
