Many Christian people want nothing to do with public life because it seems corrupt and dirty. Yet, is it possible that political life has degenerated because people with strong moral standards have shunned it? The Bible has some surprising messages for us about duty to our government.

I. Godƒ_Ts View of Government
A. God has established the civil authorities (Romans 13:1-7).

1. To execute justice (Psalm 106:3; Isaiah 1:17).

2. To establish order in society

3. To provide for the common good.

II. Our Responsibility to Government

A. Because they are ordained by God, we must honor the authorities.

1. We should pray for them (1 Timothy 2:1-4).

2. We should pay what we owe (Mark 12:13-17).

3. We should live in obedience (1 Peter 2:13-17).
However, we owe obedience, but not blind obedience.

 1. Paul used his citizenship to object to injustice (Acts16:35-39; 22:24-29).

 2.The apostles understood Christians sometimes should disobey civil authorities when their mandates contradict the laws of God (Acts 5:29).

B. We are to participate in and influence the government.

1. Consider the biblical examples of Joseph (Genesis 41), Daniel (Daniel 6), and Paul (Acts 17:22-34; 22:22-26:32).

2. Our society is based on God-given freedoms and responsibilities.

3. Christians are to be salt and light in the world, including the government (Matthew 5:13-14)

III. How Christians can Impact Government

A. Pray for civil authorities (1 Timothy 2:1-2).

B. Understand how politics and government operates.

1. As part of a fallen world, political institutions are imperfect, but we must remember God ordained them.

2. Societies can, and do, "legislate morality." The question is not whether morality will be legislated, but whose morality will be legislated.

3. The church must never be politicized. Rather, the church send out people equipped to stand firm for justice, motivated by love and compassion.   

C. Get involved in the political process (Matthew 5:13-14).

1. Write letters to editors, office holders, etc.

2. Join organizations, movements and campaigns you can support as a Christian.

3. Vote.

4. Run for public office or support Christians with whom you can agree on pertinent issues who do run for office.

Some Christians have a difficult time determining whether, and when, to let their voices be heard on the great moral issues of the day. More than 400 years ago Martin Luther put it well, when he said:

"If I profess with the loudest voice and the clearest exposition every portion of the truth of God, except precisely that little point which the world and the devil are at that moment attacking, I am not confessing Christ, however boldly I may be professing Christ. Where the battle rages, there the loyalty of the soldier is proved."

 

Christian Citizenship: Thomas Jefferson

"Can the liberties of a nation be thought secure when we have removed their only firm basis, a conviction in the minds of the people that these liberties are a gift of God? Indeed I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just; that His justice cannot sleep forever."ƒ_"Thomas Jefferson, 1781, third U.S. president and principal author of the Declaration of Independence.

NOTE: This quote contradicts those historical revisionists who contend that Jefferson wanted a "wall of separation" to protect the government from people of faith. Cited in Saul K. Padover, ed.,The Complete Jefferson, Query XVII (New York: Tudor Publishing, 943), p. 677.

ƒ_oThere is no question that Christians should vote. Christians can honor God and assist in guiding our nation by voting in elections at all levels of government. However, it is important that we seek information about candidates and issues so that we can vote intelligently. God also will give wisdom as we study the Bible and seek the guidance of His Holy Spirit through prayer. The opportunity of voting in free elections is a privilege that many have given their lives for. It is a responsibility and blessing from God.

The very fact that there is moral ambiguity in politics indicates the need for Christians to participate in the elective process. Every nation stands in need of moral and righteous leadership. Proverbs 14:34 says, "Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people." In addition, the New Testament indicates that we have a responsibility to government since God has established governing authorities for our good (see Romans 13:1-7). ƒ_o

This quote is taken from the Billy Graham Evanglesitc Association  Website 2005 http://www.billygraham.org