Romans 13:1 Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.

This is the daily verse used for election day here in America. It is clearly used to point towards governing authorities and many will use it to say God causes political leaders to be elected.

Rather than chastise certain editors for their choice of verses, I would like to get back to the origins of Paul’s letter to Christians in Rome.

Romans 1:7 To all those in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints:

Paul is addressing those who have accepted Christ in their hearts. He is not addressing all Romans.

“Paul’s intent is to establish that earthly governance is delegated by and accountable to God, meaning its power is limited and not absolute. In this view, the statement is an extension of Christian ethics promoting social orderliness (hupo-tasso) rather than blind compliance positioning human government as a temporary servant of divine order.” Craig Greenfield

To summarize that thought, we as Christians should influence political choices by being a voice for God in the midst of a society that has free will. Not all countries have free will. Not all countries allow free speech. Not all countries have Christianity as a voice of reason.

God does not remove free will from mankind. Just because God knows what will happen does not mean He controls the minds of the masses.

If we live in times that are lawless and embrace self-interests and sins of every type is an indication that our efforts to evangelize the lost have failed.

That does not mean we should stop speaking of God’s love to those who promote sin.