The apostle Paul recognizes established or legitimate authority. He discussed this extensively in Romans 13:1-7. in the first two verses he said, Every one must submit to the govest has been erning authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that existablished by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment against themselves.

Since God ordained political authority, Christians who are inspired or interested should not entertain any fear in participating in politics, rather they should see their participation in politics as an opportunity to participate in a divine institution.

The church and the state were equally ordained by God and both are interested to serve God and humanity. The church is responsible for preaching of the gospel and the spiritual life of men while the state is responsible for civil affairs and for the observance of the law of God as it is revealed in the Ten Commandments. Each institution is to operate in its divinely appointed sphere, the church as the instrument of special grace and the state the agent under common grace.

Since God ordained political authority, Christians who are inspired or interested should not entertain any fear in participating in politics, rather they should see their participation in politics as an opportunity to participate in a divine institution.

Apostle Paul also instructed Christians to pray for government leaders,“I urge, then first of all that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone for kings and those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness (1 Timothy 2:1 – 2). Since God has given His people the command to pray for government leaders, it should be clear that He intends to use their prayers to change things in the governments which are wrong. The Bible says, “if my people who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways. Then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and will heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14).

The records are there for anybody to see that the Nigerian political system right from the First Republic (1963) to the present moment is not very encouraging. Many of our politicians of the past and present are very greedy, selfish, corrupt and far from being politically matured and civilized. And that is why we have not been able to achieve a monumental success, growth and development since Independence. Our incessant political failure in this country is not because politics in itself is dirty, or evil; but it essentially has to do with our refusal to follow the principles, rules and procedures of politics. Ours is a society where somebody may find it very difficult if not impossible to win any election from ward to Federal levels without having a huge amount of money to give to various groups and individuals.

The records are there for anybody to see that the Nigerian political system right from the First Republic (1963) to the present moment is not very encouraging. Many of our politicians of the past and present are very greedy, selfish, corrupt and far from being politically matured and civilized.

If we are to concentrate all our attentions on ways and manners with which politics is being practiced in this country, honestly speaking, no serious minded Christian would like to come near it. But we must be very conscious of the power of political authority. The Bible says “Righteousness exalts a nation” But how can there be righteousness in our nation when righteous individuals abandon the affairs of the nation in terms of its politics. A dirty hand they say cannot make a clean pounded yam.

Politics is too sacred to be left to ungodly men. In the words of Olubunmi Cardinal Okogie “ Righteous governance will not fall from heaven if righteous people do not go into politics to present themselves for service to the nation” (Guardian Newspaper, Sept., 23, 1996).

It is noteworthy that Christians are indispensable component in nation building. They are very important especially when considering the state of moral decadence in our society and if truly that every institution is a product of its society, we can't be totally indifferent to the prevailing moral decline within the society or community within which we exist and operates.

The failure of previous governments in this country has nothing to do with our political system or constitution but with the quality of people who led us. Committed Christians should be encouraged not only to vote but also to seek elective posts. Though our society is corrupt but that is why Christians are made the “salt of the world”, to arrest its corruption with our influence. Salt is of no use unless applied (Matthew 5 : 13).

The Christian impact is felt when he or she interacts with his society, particularly in terms of its politics. It is true that politics breeds temptations, but the ability to overcome temptation is what makes one a Christian.

Temptation by itself is no sin; it is yielding to temptation that constitutes a sin. Jesus was also tempted (Matt : 4), and He did not sin. Therefore, political temptation is no sin; it is yielding to those temptations that makes one a sinner.

One mistake the Christian community is making is that, they want everything to be perfect. But they should understand that mankind is known to be finite and imperfect. Only God is infinite and perfect. Since man is imperfect there is no way we can have a perfect system or government.

One mistake the Christian community is making is that, they want everything to be perfect. But they should understand that mankind is known to be finite and imperfect. Only God is infinite and perfect. Since man is imperfect there is no way we can have a perfect system or government.

In the last couple of years in Nigeria, there is no way we can separate the faith of Obasanjo, Ngozi Okonjo Iweala, Charles Soludo and Oby Ezekwesili, etc from the performance of the present government, which to some people is debatable but “only the deep calls to the deep”.

Brethren, it is time for us to rise and rule so that the name of the Lord may be glorified in this country. In whichever way we think we can help this country politically let us go ahead and do it; following the examples of Joseph, David, Nehemiah and a host of others.

God depends on the prayers of the Redeemed for the posterity of this country. Nothing works better and faster than the prayers. If the strategy, system and policy fails, our prayers will never fail. It can change the unchangeable and reverse even the irreversible. It can change our failure to success and our poverty to posterity. And this shall be the portion of this great country in Jesus name.