Curt Flewelling, FISM News
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Patricia Heaton’s message to Christians who felt discouraged after Tuesday’s election is clear: Your hope should derive from God, not the government.
The outspoken actress’s comments at first blush may seem like an indictment of the government, but in reality, her advice is more of a reminder of how powerful and sovereign our God is.
On the day after the midterm elections, the “Everyone Loves Raymond” star tweeted, “For those of you who are Christians and who feel disappointed or despairing of the election results, it is a blessing to be reminded that our security does not rest in men or governments, which are finite and will eventually crumble, but in God alone who is ever sustaining.”
The devout Catholic is not shy about voicing her conservative opinions, as she is staunchly pro-life and believes in the traditional definition of marriage as being a sacred union between a man and a woman.
Despite her very strong political beliefs, her faith and trust are not in Democrats or Republicans, nor does it ebb and flow based on the results of elections.
In response to one of her followers who wondered if everything that happened Tuesday night was “God’s will at work,” Heaton tweeted, “I absolutely believe God’s will is at work, regardless of who is in power. Some Christians happy with the results, some sad. But no Christian should put their faith in the government for their hope.”
Yet having respect for our government is clearly biblical. The Apostle Paul tells believers in Romans 13:1, “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.”
However, we live in a representative republic and thankfully have the freedom to choose our government. Just because God allows the ungodly to be in positions of power, does not mean that he is in agreement with their way of governance.
The Bible is replete with God allowing righteous and unrighteous rulers to be in positions of authority. But regardless of their goodness or badness, His will is always accomplished.
Although Ms. Heaton’s tweets were intended to provide post-election solace for both Democrats and Republicans, it was likely more targeted to the latter, as the GOP performed below expectations on election night.
Historically, faith-based voters have identified with the Republican party in much greater numbers than the Democrat party. Heaton was a Republican for many years until she left the party in 2021 to become an independent.