The Victory of The Christian 2

Prayer is the key to the Christian's victory. Though He was God in the flesh, Jesus prayed often. He taught His disciples to pray, saying, "Our Father, which art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven." We pray for God's kingdom and will to come and be done. Wouldn't that fit well with praying that godly men get elected to office? With praying that we might be godly men who could worship God and faithfully keep the sheep?

Paul exhorted us to pray for our rulers: "I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth." I Timothy 2:1-4. It is peaceful living under a godly civil government that is most productive of a Christian civilization. Godly authority supports, protects, and encourages law abiding citizens and punishes the law breakers. In this way, God's justice is mirrored in the civil realm, and Christians (law abiding) advance, while the wicked (law breakers) are retarded in their success.

We pray to understand, we pray to see God's power change the world, we pray so that we change to become more in the image of Christ. In this way, we prepare for leadership. And in the meantime, we serve those we are around. If we are promoted, it is merely for more advanced service so that we are better shepherds. It is not solely or primarily for our benefit, even though becoming like Christ and serving His people is always an honor and privilege. Paul had this attitude in Philippians 1:23-6:

"For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you. And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith; That your rejoicing may be more abundant in Jesus Christ for me by my coming to you again."

Even though it was to his benefit to depart and dwell with Christ, he was willing, no, anxious, to abide with God's people and encourage them. Prayer acknowledges that there is a higher power, a higher authority, an appellate court above all human courts, if you will. The Christian politician knows that he need not compromise to accomplish half God's purpose. He can always appeal to the King of the universe, the Supreme Court of the universe to undo the injustices, and to grant success to the chosen politician who stands upon the truth of God's word. Such is prayer.