From the Pulpit: The Christian and government

Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. –Romans 13:1

What should be the Christian’s response towards government? This is an important subject to consider as we enter into another election season. Are we to be uninvolved in the political process and take a hands-off approach to the workings of our county, or are we called to be actively involved in civic affairs? How we to respond to those elected to positions of leadership? These are questions that have been asked by many of God’s people and deserves our attention as we prepare to elect a new group of leaders that will hold positions of great power and authority in our nation.

The Bible teaches government was established by God. This does not mean that all government entities behave in a manner that is pleasing to him. It does indicate that he created a way for peoples to be protected from evildoers and to be able to live peaceable lives.

In Romans 13, the Apostle Paul instructs the church at Rome to be subject to those that had rule over them. They were to submit to the leaders of their nation because God ordained them to their positions. Does this mean the rulers of Paul’s time were above reproach? No indeed! However, Paul made it clear that they were to respect the positions because they were ordained of God.

Paul writes that God is the source of all power. This should encourage us as we live our lives and strive to submit ourselves unto the leaders of our nation. Though we may have differing views of our elected officials and grow weary of corruption in government, we can be encouraged because God is the ultimate ruler of the world. He exercises all power.

Proverbs 21:1 says that, “The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.” No president, king, or dictator can supplant the sovereignty of the Lord. They are accountable to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. This should comfort us when we become discouraged with our own government. The Lord sees and knows all things and holds those accountable that have been given positions of higher power. Where much is given, much is required. Those that rule should not take their position lightly (Luke 12:48). God is watching them.

Jesus teaches us to be involved in our government. In Matthew 22, Jesus instructs his disciples to render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar’s and to God the things that are God’s. All of us have the ability to pray for those that have power over us. We are quick to criticize our leaders for decisions that they make, but how much time do we spend in prayer for them? They have to make many difficult decisions in the course of a day. We also ought to follow the teachings of Paul and pray for those that are in authority.

Why should we do this? “That we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty (1 Timothy 2:2).”

The Lord is pleased when we are slow to criticize and quick to pray for others.

We can have a positive impact on our government by electing leaders that hold Godly values in a high regard. We live in the greatest nation in the world and are afforded the opportunity to elect those that exercise authority over us. It is time to stop voting according to our wallets and vote according to the word of God. It should be our standard! If a candidate adheres to an ideology contrary to God’s word, then he or she should be immediately removed from our list of potentials. Blessings and prosperity will not come to the nation that turns away from God. It is given to those that seek his face.

In 2 Chronicles 7:14, the Lord exclaims, “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”

May this be our desire as citizens of the great United States of America.

Michael Green Jr. is pastor of Palm Chapel Primitive Baptist Church (www.palmchapel.org) in Crestview. Palm Chapel meets every Sunday at 10:30 a.m. and Wednesday at 6 p.m. Pastor Green can be contacted at 689-3383 or by e-mail at pastor@palmchapel.org. He warmly invites you to come and worship at Palm Chapel Primitive Baptist Church.