If you were to review your life, you could probably easily place leaders, bosses, teachers, and other positions of leadership into one of two categories: “The Good Ones” and “The Bad Ones.” We won’t get into the criteria for why some leadership deserves which category in your mind, but as we read today’s scripture, it makes one thing clear: the struggle between man and the authority the Lord has set over him is as old as time. If you have ever read through the Old Testament, you’re aware of some seriously messed up kings and governing authorities, and yet the story God tells throughout Scripture is one of his grace as he worked through sinful leaders and accomplished his purposes anyway.  

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It is hard to watch evil be endorsed by any governing authority. We may find ourselves asking, “God, what are you doing?” or some version of, “Surely, they slipped through the cracks. God can’t possibly know about this horrible leader.” Yet, what I find absolutely unfathomable is that God accomplishes his purposes no matter what, and sometimes, the worse the leader, the more his glory shines! This seems so very counter intuitive, yet in God’s upside-down Kingdom, nothing is wasted, not even a bad leader. But how do we reconcile leaders with no Godly principles and put this scripture on our hearts as we live under the authority of those with whom we cannot agree?  You may even think of these leaders as enemies.

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We just walked through a section in Romans 12 in which Paul says in verse 14 to “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them.” Paul is simply echoing what Jesus said in Matthew 5:44, “But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” I know I’ve read these scriptures many times, and I know I have glossed over its meaning without thinking. So, let’s break it down.  

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Love your enemies - Using the 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 definition, we are to have patience and exhibit kindness. We should keep no record of wrongs, not be irritable or resentful, not insist on our own way, and rejoice with truth and be hopeful. This is how we are to treat our enemies! That’s tough stuff. If there’s anything I know, it’s that I don’t do the tough stuff well; but something else I know is that God doesn’t expect me to, which is why Jesus’ next words are pray for those who persecute you.  

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Have you been persecuted? In the literal sense, not many of us can say we have. But most of us can think of a time when maybe some governing policies have negatively affected us, and it felt personal. But to pray for your enemies, the ones making “horrible” decisions, the ones you disagree with at every turn, the ones you’re just sure God should “smite,” how do we do this and why?  

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First, the why: It changes your heart. This isn’t some admission that you were wrong or that this person is somehow following God’s will, even if they’re clearly not. It IS an admission that you acknowledge God did not put you in a position of authority. It’s us telling God, “I do not know what you’re doing, but I trust you. What if God’s purpose in allowing a bad governing authority was to draw you in, have more conversations with you, and grow YOU in the process?  When we pray, we put the real leader, God, in his rightful position on the throne, and suddenly we see any human authority through a very different lens. Suddenly, they have very little authority, in the eternal sense, and your perspective shifts to a Kingdom mindset.  

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How though? How do we pray for governing authorities? First, tell God who he is, put him on the throne in your life, and thank him for taking that spot. Surrender your care and concerns to God. Tell him you’re frustrated; I promise he can handle it. Ask him to change your heart toward this authority. Pray for the person/people in the position(s) of authority and ask God to draw them to himself and, yes, even to bless them. Ask God to change your perspective so that you see every person in every position as a person who also needs the grace of God, just like you. This is not easy; but as with most things where God’s way is concerned, there is peace in putting God where he belongs in your heart and trusting him.  

God, I am so thankful that you have put leaders and governing authorities in place. I know you are the one true King, and I can trust that you are working your purposes through all those you have placed in positions of authority, even at the times when I cannot see how. I pray you would help my heart to stay humble. Help me to trust you. God, I pray for your blessings on those in governing authority. I pray your name would be known and praised among leaders. Amen.