What points of action should a Spirit-filled Christian take concerning human governments?
Matthew 5:13-14; Matthew 13:24-30, 1 Timothy 2:1-2
A Proposed List:
- Be informed and think through the issues.
- Speak out for what is true and just.
- Vote whenever you have the opportunity.
- Write to or speak with government officials.
- Volunteer for good causes, including campaign work for worthy candidates.
- Give money to support the causes of justice.
- Seek political office if you are called to it.
- Live a godly life.
- Tell others about Jesus Christ.
- Respect and obey the government.
- Pray for political leaders.
Mature Christians are very aware that the kingdom of Christ does not advance by human government, nor is Christ ever going to submit to a popular election. Even so, Christians who live in societies in which their vote and active service can shape policy have an obligation and a stewardship to act accordingly. This is part of how we live out Christ’s declaration that Christians are “the light of the world,” and “the salt of the earth” (Matthew 5:13-14). We are called on to shine the light of biblical truth amid this present darkness, exposing wickedness and pointing the way toward righteousness.
Christians who live in societies in which their vote and active service can shape policy have an obligation and a stewardship to act accordingly.
God also calls us to retard the spread of corruption as salt does in meat. Moreover, Jesus’ parable of the wheat and the weeds (Matthew 13:24-30) implies that we will be living in intimate connection with children of the devil until the end of the age. We will disagree with them on most issues, though not all. Despite this fact, we must strive, sometimes with and sometimes against them, on various policy issues and in each election.
Throughout the history of the world, various forms of government have arisen under the providence of God. In many of them, the common people had no power whatsoever and were often trampled on and abused by their leaders—kings, emperors, prime ministers, chairmen, sultans, etc. Here in America, our government was established by the Constitution to be “of the people, by the people, and for the people.” Therefore, we have the privilege and moral obligation to influence policies and elections as best we can.
The list above is a practical starting point. Begin by being informed about the issues of the day. It is harder than ever before to receive news from unbiased sources. But we Christians must do our best to learn the truth about current events and discern the wisest course of action. Since this takes time and energy, each Christian must also discern to what level of breadth and depth to go on issues. Beyond being informed, we are to develop convictions proportional to our level of biblical certainty on each issue. We should also speak out at key moments to influence other citizens concerning our perspective, on whatever platform we have. Some issues will be crystal clear biblically (like abortion); other issues, like international trade policy, will be less clear biblically. Therefore, not every issue should be a “hill on which to die.” We lose credibility that way.
The privilege of voting is unique and relatively new in world history. Be assured, the Babylonian people never elected Nebuchadnezzar as their emperor! But we have that right, and it is foolish not to use it. Some candidates will more openly stand for biblical truth than others. If neither of the two parties present an attractive option from a Christian point of view, the power of the vote is sadly diminished.
Christians must do our best to learn the truth about current events and discern the wisest course of action
That doesn’t mean Christians shouldn’t vote. Just realize that vote will result in less of a positive impact for the kingdom than when a godly candidate openly runs on a righteous platform. Such a “meh” vote may well feel like a compromise. Christians should make the wisest choice they can at that point, led by biblical truth, life experience, and instincts directed by the Spirit after much prayer.
For myself, I will never ever vote for a candidate that supports abortion. Based on Christ’s example of a Servant-King, I believe a fundamental role of government is to use its power to protect the weak from danger. Any candidate that doesn’t see the preborn as the weakest possible human needing that protection is disqualified from “serving” as leader.
Some Christians may be called on to be more fully immersed in politics, either by actively campaigning or even running for elected office themselves. Though Christians hardly ever make up the majority of a population, yet some may be so winsome, wise, and beloved by non-Christians that they may actually win a popular election. Then they can serve their term(s) openly for the glory of God. Though rare in the history of politics, such moments bring great joy to voting Christians… and less of a sense of reluctant compromise at the polls.
The other points on the list are a little more self-explanatory and flow from a daily lifestyle of Christian piety in any case. But let me finish by urging on you all the final point: pray for your political leaders. This is openly commanded: “I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness” (1 Timothy 2:1-2). By prayer, we are reminding ourselves of the absolute sovereignty of God over all rulers, even the most wicked ones. In Revelation 17, we are told of ten wicked rulers who all consent to giving their power to the “Beast” (Antichrist) at the end of the world. But even that most wicked form of human government is totally under the sovereign control of God: “For God has put it into their hearts to accomplish his purpose by agreeing to give the beast their power to rule, until God’s words are fulfilled” (Revelation 17:17). Though they will be following an openly wicked agenda, God’s words (decrees) concerning history will still be fulfilled! And that goes for our generation as well: no matter how wicked our elected officials are, God still rules, even over their policy decisions. And most importantly, we never give up hope that God may well convert some of them as he did the tyrant, Nebuchadnezzar. So, pray, pray, pray!
