By and large, Christians continue to watch in silence regarding the issues undermining our culture.
These issues include everything from abortion, sexual immorality and threats facing biblical marriage…
… to secular indoctrination of children, constraints on religious freedom, and out of control government spending.
We must understand…
Reluctance to engage on these issues is causing incalculable harm… as it allows evil to thrive unimpeded.
And, silence on these issues — along with others — is a form of negligence… since Jesus calls us to serve as the salt of the earth and the light of the world (Mt. 5:13-16).
So what accounts for the little engagement on these matters?
Why are God’s people mute?
The fear of man, guilty consciences, vested interests, and lack of instruction…
I believe these all play a part.
But one of the biggest reasons for the silence is a misunderstanding of God’s ordained role for civil government.
With faith waning in the West, civil government has assumed a greater and greater place in our lives.
Practically, it is has taken the place of God.
And sadly, too many of us have allowed this to happen without a whimper.
But government is not God.
And the truth remains…
“Kingship belongs to the Lord, and he rules over the nations” (Ps. 22:28).
From this position, the Lord has ordained civil rulers to serve a very limited function… as ‘ministers of justice’ under His authority — and no more (Rom. 13:4).
Secular authorities resist this… and seek to cast off the restraints of God’s Anointed King… so they can rule unchecked, however and wherever they please (Ps. 2:2-3).
But it’s at this point God’s people must object.
And remind civil rulers they are subject to a higher authority.
When Christians fail to address issues from a biblical perspective because they are afraid secular rulers won’t like it, they dishonor their King.
So we need to learn to adopt the approach of the psalmist who wrote:
“I will speak of Your testimonies before kings, and shall not be ashamed” (Ps. 119:46).
There’s hardly a stronger way to honor the King of kings than this.
May God raise up believers… and especially pastors… who understand and apply this…
… while calling civil rulers to faithfulness in their limited domain.
As one pastor friend of mine says:
“God have mercy, Church have courage.”
