First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be offered on behalf of all men for kings and all those in authority, so that we may lead tranquil and quiet lives in all godliness and dignity. This is good and pleasing in the sight of God our Savior.

I Timothy 2:2

This is the morning after the US mid-term elections.  The Democrats are now in the majority in the House.   The President and Senate are Republican.  My feelings are that this is good.  It will probably be a battlefield, so to speak, but at least more voices will be heard than it has been the case for the past two years when Republicans controlled all the three branches.

The New Testament, particularly the writings of Paul, speak little about how believers should relate to the secular powers.  I his first letter to Timothy he does, however, give pastoral direction. Paul does not advise Timothy to confront the political authorities but encourages him to pray for the pagans who influence so much of their lives.  I find this very helpful because even though Paul knew that the Roman rulers were not believers, he insisted the followers of Jesus obey them.  Paul does not just touch the issue but wrote that the believers should offer petitions (requests), prayers, intercessions and thanksgiving for kings and those in secular authority  so that we may lead tranquil and quiet lives in all godliness and dignity. This is good and pleasing in the sight of God our Savior.