Daniel—the original Joe the Plumber

I’ve been reading the Old Testament book of Daniel the past couple days.

It’s very relevant at this point in time, given the election year.  As I’ve been reading, I’ve noticed that much of Daniel is, at its core, about how we should interact with our government.

Melissa and I are always wondering what our proper role in politics is.  Did you know that Jehovah’s Witnesses don’t vote?  It sort of makes sense, government is a worldly institution that operates outside of our faith and can very easily become an obsession.

But on the other hand voting is a simple way to cast our opinion towards what will make our country a more fair and prosperous place.  It’s a simple way to effect our personal freedoms and prevent injustice.

Daniel was faced with similar, though more severe decisions to make in regards to government.

Daniel lived at a time when the Jews were Babylonian captives.  In short, he had to decide whether he would work for a king who idealized worldly power and worshiped false Gods.

From what I’m reading Daniel did everything that the King asked him that wasn’t in direct conflict with his spiritual beliefs.  He interpreted dreams for a pagan king and he even managed the king’s team of sorcerers and magicians.

When he was asked to do something that directly conflicted with his beliefs, he refused but did not resist the punishment. (i.e. the Lion’s Den, or the fiery furnace for his three buddies)

I think it’s an example of how we should behave.  Daniel understood that it was his decision, when absolutely necessary, to refuse to follow the law.  But he also understood that doing so even with honorable intentions didn’t absolve him from the consequences of his actions, and he still respected the sovereignty of the rulers and submitted to their authority.

I’m still working this out.  But it seems like Daniel was willing to take advantage of the opportunities his government offered him, but also understood his place as God’s servant first, and a servant to the authority of King Nebuchadnezzar second.

I guess that means I’ll vote, there’s really no reason not to.  But it also means that we should recognize the triviality of politics and government.

Not triviality in a “let’s all get along”, tolerance sort of way, but a true recognition that the outcome really isn’t that important in practical or spiritual terms.  It’s all just shades of gray.

By choosing to participate in politics, we lose all right to complain of the government’s injustice.

Unfortunately, the opposite is not also true.

Comments

I’m right with you man.