Our Political Tilt to the Self-Center

Proverbs 11:1: The Lord hates false scales, but he loves accurate weights.

Politics.

I love to talk about it, but at the same time I find it depressing.  

While waiting for a friend at a local coffee shop (we meet for an oatmeal breakfast one day a week), I overhear the Bible-belt take on what’s happening in the country. I turn on NPR news in the car and get a bit different slant on what’s happening in the country.  Among friends at church I get yet another slant on what’s happening in the country.

What if I, and my Christian friends here in the Bible belt and elsewhere, spent the same amount of time praying about the political situation as we do discussing it? 

First of all, then, I urge that supplication, 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 2:1-4

And what if we looked beyond our own borders?  Aren’t our concerns often completely out of balance?  Doesn’t the Apostle Paul in 1 Timothy 2 say something about ‘all people, for all kings and all who are in high positions? 

What if we became as concerned about the rest of the world as we are about ourselves?  

Take Bangladesh for example, a country with about 160 million people, almost half as many as the whole United States? Did you know that:

• It used to be called East Pakistan, and is 90% Muslim
• The perpetrators of violence in the 1971 bloody civil war of independence from West Pakistan (a group called Jamati Islam) are a key element in  the current opposition party, which is promoting an Islamic state 
• The current political party in charge under Sheikh Hasina (daughter of a leader killed in a coup in 1975) leans toward a more secular state, and is attempting to bring the leaders of Jamati Islam to justice for war crimes and mass killings 
• Elections are due to be held in early 2014, but the country is already experiencing severe unrest because of the War Crimes Tribunal (which most of the population supports)
• It is known as one of the most corrupt countries in the world
• God is moving in a miraculous way in Bangladesh, bringing many Muslims to Himself

Workers in Bangladesh have asked us to pray that:

• There could be dialogue and communication between the two major political parties.
• For a quick and just conclusion (without violence) to the War Crimes Tribunal now going on.
• For leaders to be concerned about the good of the country above their own personal good.
• For an end to violence and strikes so normal life could continue.
• For a fair election and people of integrity to be elected early next year.
• For religious freedom and peace to exist here so the Gospel could continue going out.
• For Christ followers to live holy and hope-filled lives that would attract others to the truth.
• For people in the midst of uncertainty and lack of hope to seek for hope and peace in the Prince of Peace.

I don’t know about you, but I need to move to a more balanced, God-concerned view of politics, one that prays for ‘all in high positions’ and includes my brothers and sisters in Christ all over the world.

ReachAcross U.S. Director