“For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.” – Romans 13:4
Some Christians ponder the question, “should I really try to persuade those in elected office to pass legislation that is righteous in God’s sight, and prevent legislation that is in direct opposition to the teachings found in God’s Word?” This is a perplexing question for some believers because they have bought into the false belief that Christians should have nothing to do with the government.
In Romans 13:1-7, the Apostle Paul articulates the role and task of the institution of government that has been established by God and that is to “further good” and “restrain evil.” Unfortunately, sin is so impactful in our culture that it has even corrupted some portions of the government.
If we are to see our national government and our state government fulfill their God-given responsibility of promoting good and preventing evil then we must as Christians winsomely persuade and influence our state and national legislatures to adopt and put into place righteous laws and extinguish wicked ones.
Theologian, Dr. Carl Henry, once correctly stated that Christians should, “work through civil authority for the advancement of justice and human good.” Christians should always be actively working to help the government fulfill its divine command to promote righteousness and restrict wickedness by influencing the government over them.
LET US PRAY…
Father, please empower our government to fulfill its God-given responsibility to truly promote righteousness and extinguish wickedness. Lord, help us to winsomely engage and influence our government so that good laws may be advanced through it. Father, please raise up good godly leaders that will lead us in a way that is honoring to You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
