One of my favorite movies is the first National Treasure, with Nicolas Cage. I don’t know how many times I’ve watched it. At least a dozen, I’m sure.
I especially like the part where Ben and Riley are looking at the Declaration of Independence, and Ben tells Riley he’s going to steal it.
Ben, reading from the Declaration… “But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such government, and to provide new guards for their future security. –“
Sounds like revolution talk, doesn’t it?
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: this nation is a mess. And it appears the government is doing its very best to run every aspect of our lives, whether we like it or not.
So what’s this mean where you and I are concerned? Are we to start another revolution? To listen to some people, that’s exactly what we should do.
I’ve talked with people who say things like, “If the government wants my guns, just let them try and take them.” Really?
Mr. One Man Army, eh?
I know it may sound a bit like a cliche’, but I’ll say it anyway.
What would Jesus do?
If the Bible is true, and there are many of you readers who believe it is, then what do we do with scriptures such as:
“Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, to whom belong wisdom and might. He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding; he reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what is in the darkness, and the light dwells with him.” (Daniel 2:20-22 ESV)
“…to the end that the living may know that the Most High rules the kingdom of men and gives it to whom he will and sets over it the lowliest of men.” (Daniel 4:17 ESV)
“Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honor the King of heaven, for all his works are right and his ways are just; and those who walk in pride he is able to humble.” (Daniel 4:37 ESV)
Should we ignore them?
And just in case you don’t care for the Old Testament scriptures, here are a couple from the New Testament:
“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. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment.” (Romans 13:1-2 ESV)
“Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people.” (1 Peter 2:13-15 ESV)
Please keep in mind, when Paul and Peter wrote their letters to the churches, they weren’t saying the government or government officials were right. In fact, if they had been allowed by God to express their opinions about the leaders, they may have been tempted to say how bad things were, and how evil their government was.
As followers of Christ, I believe we have a responsibility to obey God first and foremost. That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be patriotic, but the scriptures really don’t advocate patriotism.
Jesus said, “Give to Caesar what belongs to him, and to God that which belongs to Him.” That, in a nutshell means we are to obey the laws of the land, unless they contradict God’s laws.
Should we riot, or take part in a revolution with AR-15’s and the like?
I say no.
What we ARE to do I’ll refer to as CIVIL REBELLION.
Rebel against the world’s spirit and systems. Rebel against living like every other Tom, Dick, and Harry who complains about the president and every other politician who doesn’t agree with them.
Listen, there are a lot of things happening I don’t like, but I’ve got to rebel against the urge to waste my time moaning with people who, like me, haven’t the slightest idea what it would really take to turn things around.
Civil Rebellion.
Rebel against letting the world and its opinions squeeze you into its mold.
Vote for candidates who align best with the scriptures. As long as we can vote, we have somewhat of a say.
Pray for the leaders. Maybe, just maybe, God can reach their hearts and minds.
“The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD, like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes.” (Proverbs 21:1 NKJV)
Of course, and this may be hard to take, you and I COULD BE ignorant about what’s best for the country. Maybe, huh?
If we say we’re Christ followers, let’s follow Christ. To the polls, to the prayer closet, all the way to CIVIL REBELLION.
It’s best for the nation and for the kingdom of God.
And it’s best for you and I.
“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” (1 Timothy 2:1 – 2:4 ESV)
Jan Grace 