Christians and Government
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Rom 13:1 Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God.
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God established the principle of government to bless, protect, and prosper society. In recent days many of us have felt that the government is not working the way we think it should. It's important to reflect on God's position about government and how we are to behave as Christians.

First, we are to pray for those in leadership. Paul writes that we are to do this so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life, in all godliness and dignity.

Second, we are to submit ourselves to the governing authorities and obey the laws of our country, state, county, and city. As long as they do not contradict the Bible, to disobey governing authority is to disobey God.

Third, we are to honor and respect the office of President, Governor, etc. This is not just an act of patriotism. It’s also an act of Christlikeness.

Finally, we are to influence our culture, remembering that we are first and foremost followers of Jesus. As such, our involvement must not be driven by the values of a party, but by the absolute truth of God as revealed in the Bible. As Christ followers, we are not to speak evil of anyone. In looking for opportunities to influence, we need to do so with the right spirit. We can write letters and call our leaders to express our opinions and desires for or against certain causes. We can volunteer our time or make donations to organizations that support causes that are important to us and to God. And we can seek out, support and pray for people that hold values close to God's and have a desire to be future leaders in our government.

The bottom line from God’s Word is that our mission is to expand the kingdom of God. If we’re not careful, we can become more passionate about the laws that govern this life than we are about preparing men and women for the life that is to come. Our mission is not to go into all the world and legislate. Our mission is to go into all the world and preach the gospel. Don’t allow what is not our mission to become the stumbling block that keeps us from accomplishing that which is our mission.

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Related Scripture:
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1 Peter 2:13-14 For the Lord's sake, submit to all human authority-- whether the king as head of state, or the officials he has appointed.

Rom 13:3-4 For the authorities do not strike fear in people who are doing right, but in those who are doing wrong. Would you like to live without fear of the authorities? Do what is right, and they will honor you. The authorities are God's servants, sent for your good.

Eph 6:10-12 A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.