How Christians Relate to Government
“God is the one who established the government. God created government. He wants societies to be governed and managed. God knows that governed people work better than ungoverned people.” – Tony Walliser
Read Romans 13:1-14
How Christians Relate to Government
“Separation of church and state.” How many times have you heard that phrase? It was coined by Thomas Jefferson in an 1802 letter to the Danbury Baptist Association. He referred to a “wall of separation” to explain the First Amendment’s Establishment Clause. This clause was intended to keep the government from establishing a national religion (as had been the case in England) or to interfere with the free exercise of faith.
Through the decades, however, the meaning of “separation of church and state” seems to have been distorted to mean government and religion should be kept mutually exclusive. That is, while the government cannot establish a national religion or control expression of one’s faith, neither should one’s faith be involved at all in government or the so-called “public square.”
This doesn’t seem to have been the intent of our Founding Fathers. Years ago, my family gave me The Founder’s Bible, which consists of not only the entire Bible but also hundreds of articles, commentaries and notes on what the Founders and other government leaders in the past said about the intersection of governance and faith. Here’s a small sampling:
“Suppose a nation…should take the Bible for their only law book and every member should regular his conduct by the precepts there exhibited…. What a Utopia – what a Paradise would this region be!” – President John Adams, signer of the Declaration of Independence
“Christianity is the only true and perfect religion; and…in proportion as mankind adopt its principles and obey its precepts, they will be wise and happy.’ – Benjamin Rush, signer of the Declaration
“The Bible is the best of all books, for it is the Word of God and teaches us the way to be happy in this world and in the next. Continue therefore to read it and to regulate your life by its precepts.” – John Jay, first Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court
“The Bible is the best gift God has given to men. All the good the Savior gave to the world was communicated through this book. But for it, we could not know right from wrong.” – President Abraham Lincoln
“The Bible is the rock on which our Republic rests.” – President Andrew Jackson
“The teachings of the Bible are so interwoven and entwined with our whole civic and social life that it would be literally impossible for us to figure for ourselves what that life would be if these teachings were removed.” – President Theodore Roosevelt
“The Bible and its teachings helped form the basis for the Founding Fathers’ abiding belief in the inalienable rights of the individual – rights which they found implicit in the Bible’s teachings….” – President Ronald Reagan
There are hundreds of similar statements from the likes of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and many signers of both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. You get the point. They saw no reason to exclude faith from governmental affairs and decision-making.
Which leads us to the passage for this week, Romans 13:1-14, which the apostle Paul begins by saying, “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established…he who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so bring judgment on themselves….”
Whoa! Does the Bible really say that? Regardless of where your political sentiments lie, these are tough words. We’re inclined to say, “I don’t think I need to submit to so-and-so!” or “He (or she) isn’t my President (Senator or Representative)!”
Like every principle in the Scriptures, this teaching given to us through Paul isn’t intended to unfairly restrict us. It’s for our ultimate good.
The relationship between government and Christianity has always been fragile, going back to ancient Rome. Sometimes we think our government has it out for us, but what we’re seeing today pales in comparison with what Christians faced under Roman emperor Nero. Believers were severely persecuted; many were killed. The apostle Paul was beheaded during Nero’s reign.
At the same time, there’s no question that followers of Jesus in many parts of the world, including the United States, are encountering considerable opposition from some factions in government. So, when we’re told to submit to government authorities, how are we to obey?
First, we need to pray. Paul wrote, “I urge that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone – for kings and all those in authority” (1 Timothy 2:1-2). If you disagree with any government officials or believe they’re supporting ungodly policies, pray for them. Who knows how God will answer our prayers?
It’s also important for us to participate in elections, casting our votes and letting our opinions be heard. Even if the choices available aren’t ideal, we should seek to discern which aligns most closely to what God teaches in His Word. Then be sure to vote.
Most of us aren’t motivated to run for public office, but some are. If God leads you to do so, strive to serve as “Christ’s ambassador” (2 Corinthians 5:20). And if you’re not called to run for a governmental office, pray about how you can support those who desire to represent the Lord and His principles.
Seek the Lord’s guidance in how you can engage in influencing society for His glory. Even though we’re looking forward to our eternal home, we’re still here in this temporal one. It’s been said that some people are “so heavenly minded they’re no earthly good.” Let’s not be among them.