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On his own admission, George Bush could not run the United States without “a relationship with the Lord”, according to an interview reported in the Washington Times. Such comments prompted the observation by Max Hastings writing recently in The Guardian newspaper that “we now face another four years at the mercy of a US president who perceives his own God as foremost among White House advisers”.

Many American politicians, led by their president, now regularly seek a divine blessing upon everything they do. And this open acknowledgement of their faith is seldom mere ritual, but is usually based upon a strong and sincere conviction that God can and will be ‘on their side’.

Such a strong and practical faith has to be admired, but there are naturally those who ask how it is possible for modern political careers to be compatible with firmly held Christian principles. History records many atrocities perpetrated under the banner of Christianity, before and after the Crusades, so clearly the lessons of history have still not been learnt. Similarly, strife and bloodshed carried out in the name of Judaism or Islam demonstrates the fallibility of those involved. Religious fervor should never be allowed to cloud sound judgment, no matter how worthy the cause may seem.

The sight of opposing armies both calling on God to promote their cause is a regular feature throughout history. Given the outcome of any battle, it’s inevitable that at least one side will feel that their prayers have been ignored! So it’s quite reasonable to ask just what role the ‘Almighty’ actually has in this world’s affairs? Is it ever right to say that ‘God takes sides’?

According to the Bible, God is certainly involved in what happens in this world:

“He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He putteth down the mighty from their seats, and exalteth them of low degree” (Luke 1:51-52)

The Bible itself records numerous occasions when God directed world events, particularly those concerning Israel. But God’s involvement with world affairs didn’t stop when the Bible was finished. At various times and in various ways, God “sheweth strength with is arm”, guiding and directing nations and their governments for a very good reason:

“…to the intent that the living may know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over it the basest of men.” (Daniel 4:17)

God has a plan of his own for this world and, by placing the right men and women in positions of authority, he directs world events to achieve the purpose he intends. Some ‘government appointments’ may be made from among those who openly profess a strong religious faith, while others may have no religious allegiance at all. But whatever convictions world leaders may have, they are put in place according to God’s plan.

That plan will eventually replace all the “kingdoms of men” with a worldwide Kingdom of God, exactly as Jesus himself preached to those who heard him 2000 years ago. Since that time, governments and world leaders have come and gone, leaving their mark on history for good or evil. But throughout history, God has been working ‘behind the scenes’ through the actions of numerous men and women, whether they realized it or not.

So God does not ‘take sides’ in any battle, except to further his purpose. Even so, the Bible reassures us that for those who seek him for guidance and strength he is always there to help. But it also gives us a warning regarding the innate weakness of all governments, no matter what their politics:

“It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man.
It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in princes.” (Psalms 118:8-9)

Presidents, Princes, Kings and Queens will come and go until the time comes for Christ to return as King of the world. Signs around us in the world suggest that his coming is very near.