Politics. To say it is a touchy subject is a vast understatement. However, like all difficult topics, just because they are such does not mean our children will not ask us about them. Politics, religion, sex, race and gender are just some of the delicate issues our children will inquire about and we need to be prepared—okay, at least minimally prepared—to answer them.
When it comes to politics it is important to take our children with us to vote (when possible) and teach them about our political system. More notably, it is essential to impart to them what the Bible says about government. The following are three verses regarding government and leaders.
1) Romans 13:1 states, “Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God.”
2) I Timothy 2:1-2 states, “I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.”
3) Proverbs 16:33 states, “The lot is cast into the lap, but the decision is wholly of the Lord.”
All of these verses, broken down into kid vernacular, are helpful for children and especially the first two. We can pray with our children for our leaders. We can also explain to them why it is important for people to obey laws. When I meditate on these scriptures, this is what comes to me:
1) God is the ultimate authority over all creation. He places people in authority (Romans 13:1).
2) It is my job to pray for the President and all people in positions of authority, no matter how I may feel about them. (I Timothy 2:1-2).
3) I cast my vote, but the decision is ultimately the Lord’s. (Proverbs 16:33).
I find great comfort in remembering that God is the ultimate authority over all creation. I have also learned that the more I pray for those in leadership over me (whether I “like” them or not), the more tender my heart becomes towards them. Timothy writes that as we pray our lives should grow more peaceful, quiet, godly and dignified. I so want to have that kind of life and I want my children to as well.
What are you teaching your children about politics? What have you learned about politics as it relates to your spirituality, daily life and relationships?
Thank you so much for this reminder. I have had a hard time with this election even knowing these truths. These verses are on my heart now. Thank you.
Thank you for this great, practical post Jenevieve. What I want to teach my kids about politics is to keep opinions to yourself. We don’t need to set out trying to change other people’s viewpoints. Politics is personal. Whether or not I agree with the next person is irrelevant. I only need to make sure I know what I believe and why I believe it. That is what I want my kids to understand. Just because we have opportunities to shout or viewpoint on blogs, Facebook or Twitter doesn’t mean we should. Sometimes quiet conviction is the most effective.
Jessica, Thanks for reading. I love your thoughts on keeping opinions to ourselves. I also want to teach my children that. I have learned, during this election season especially, that I want to keep my opinions to myself as much as possible. Proverbs says there is wisdom in using few words and I agree.