Christians
and their
Government
(April 1998)
I feel led to insert a statement about the true Christian and the United States Government, (or any Government) according to scripture.
The Word of God says for us to submit to the authority over us.“Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake, whether to the king as supreme, or to governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men; as free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for vice, but as bondservants of God. (1Peter 2: 13-17)
Usually, if a man or women will not submit to the ordinances of the land, they also (in their heart) won’t submit to God. These are usually the kind of people that the Pastors and churches have trouble with. True submission is an attitude of the heart that is built in the presence of the Lord. When you come out you will believe for your government because God’s word says to and you want to be submissive to the Lord and His Word.
It also says to pray for (that’s FOR) those in the government.
“Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, & giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings & all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet & peaceable life in all godliness & reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior. (1 Tim.2:1-3)
Scripture shows us that we are to
pray FOR those that are in authority over us not be critical of them. If you are a Christian, then you need to obey the Word of God and believe and pray for our President (or leader) and the government. Lift them up, don’t look at the natural, look to the Lord and believe for them.We must remember that we are aliens, pilgrims, passing through.
“Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation. Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake, whether to the king as supreme, or to governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good
.(1 Peter 2: 11-14)
Also in Phil. 1:27 “
Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel”. WE are to be as guests in this land. Many times Christians are the rudest guests. I have encountered more self-righteous indignant Christians than submissive Christians. Many times (I feel) that Christians have the responsibility to protest, argue and get obnoxious. While scripture is very clear when it says In James 3:17 "But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace" You may disagree with the government but, don’t be disagreeable. Take your battle to the heavenlies and warfare against the demonic realm, the human realm. 2 Cor 10:4 "For the weapons of our warfare are not **carnal** (Greek-4559-[Sarkikos]or against the human realm) but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds,..."Pray FOR your government and leaders. Be a blessing to your Nation! From the Pilgrims that
landed at Plymouth nearly four hundred years ago, to the men who signed the
Declaration of Independence, believers built our country. Famous statesman
Patrick Henry said, "It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that
this great nation was founded, not by religionists, but by Christians; not on
religions, but on the gospel of Jesus Christ!" These men and women of God
trusted in the Bible and had character, honor, and high moral standards. They
were people of prayer who put God first and continually sought Him for
intervention. I believe that because of their commitment to Christ and
persistence in prayer, America has been greatly blessed.
Today, America has fallen from her high position of integrity
and honor that was based upon the foundation of God's Word. Her character, which
was once the talk of the nations, has now faded because she has turned from the
One that made her great and bestowed on her such honor. The only way we can
reverse the dilemma of moral decline is for each of us to seriously seek the
face of God in prayer.
The Word of God says, If My people, who are called by My
name, shall humble themselves, pray, seek, crave, and require of necessity My
face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, forgive
their sin, and heal their land (2 Chronicles 7:14). Without prayer, the
hand of God stops. But with prayer, the hand of God moves.
Now more than ever we need to pray for our nation. The recent
events of terrorism have dramatically altered our atmosphere, turning many
Americans to God in prayer. In the midst of war, a window of opportunity has
opened. If each one of us will pray, God will give us direction. He will show us
what we need to do and give us the strength to do it.
Here are some specific things outlined in Scripture that we can pray for:
Restoration to our nation will
come by the hand of God and God alone, but He will use people to bring about His
purpose. Every person has a part, and if we will pray, God will show us what to
do.
Take the challenge! Get informed and get involved. Be willing
to do what God tells you to do, fulfilling your responsibility as a Christian
and as a citizen of the United States. No matter what your plans are today, set
aside some time to humbly pray for our nation. Remember,...the earnest
(heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power
available [dynamic in its working] (James 5:16). With knowledge of the truth
and the power of prayer, the body of Christ can become an instrument of healing,
reversing the curse and bringing about revival!
JMM