What is a Christian’s Obligation to the Government?
Christians Should be Humble
Christian humility is the proper attitude a Christian is to have concerning government leaders.
Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Romans 13:1
Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work. Titus 3:1
Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. 1 Peter 2:13-14
Of course, there may be times when government leaders violate the power and authority given them by God and issue laws or acts contrary to Scripture. In these situations the Christian must not submit. An example of this principle is found in Acts 5:29, where the apostles boldly refused to submit to authority on the grounds that it is contrary to the will of God (Acts 4:19).
A Christian should support his government leaders by earnest prayer for them to be saved and for them to be filled with Divine wisdom to guide them in the affairs of governing the people. However, if the leaders are wicked and are doing contrary to God’s Word, then as a Christian you should pray for their removal from office and exercise your right as a citizen and vote them out of office.
An often quoted statement attributed to Edmund Burke is: “For evil to triumph, the only thing necessary is for good men to do nothing.” With this thought in mind, we can surely recognize that our citizenship in a free country is a blessing from God. Our great system of self-government assures every Christian a voice in the affairs of the nation, but we must claim that right. God wants us to do His will in government, just as in the church and in the home.
Behavior in America
We, as citizens of America, must not fail to pray for our government leaders, and as good citizens we must be regularly participating voters. For too long, Christians have ceased to participate in governmental affairs and as a result the moral fiber of America is rotting away. Our priceless freedom is in grave jeopardy. America is faced with the greatest crisis in history.
We are in danger of losing our nation by default, and with it, our individual freedoms and possibly our very lives. If that should happen, our opportunity to help fulfill the Great Commission through-out the United States and the world will be lost, and hundreds of millions will never have an opportunity to receive our Savior.
All Christians must exercise their citizen’s rights and attempt to influence this nation for Christ through the voting process. In America, decisions are not made by a majority of the people. Decisions are made by a majority of those who vote. As a believer, you to do your part and vote for the individuals you believe God would have to serve this nation.
