Proverbs 29:2 "When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked bare rule, the people mourn."
If you find that you are called to government, may it be running for office, (local, state, or federal), or ministering to those in positions of power within government, we can help you not only pray accordingly, but give you access to resources that will help you do God’s will.
Christian Worldview
Objections are often raised against Christian engaging in politics. It is as if Christians should only be regulated to preaching and teaching of the Bible. However, this is a limited understanding of the kingdom of God and contrary to examples in Scripture.
The Christian worldview provides a comprehensive understanding of reality. It speaks to all areas of life, including political engagement. In fact, the Bible speaks about civil government and provides examples of faithful engagement.
In the Old Testament, Joseph and Daniel served in civil government, exerting influence to further the flourishing of their nations.
In the New Testament, Jesus engaged in holistic ministry, caring for the spiritual and physical needs of people. Feeding the hungry and healing diseases were an outworking and extension of the reconciliatory message of the gospel.
Paul also advocates this approach: “As we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone” (Galatians 6:10). And: “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10).
Engaging in “good works” should include participating in the political process because of the legitimate and significant role of government. The decisions made by government have a substantial impact on people and the way we interact with them. A Christian worldview should include a political theology that recognizes every area of life must be included in the “good works” of believers, especially politics, an area with significant real-life implications for people.
Christians Are Called to Govern
As “sojourners and exiles” (1 Peter 2:11), it can be construed for Christians should not focus on earthly governing systems. But if you could ask a pastor in an underground church or a missionary attempting to access a closed country if politics are inconsequential, they would say, “if the laws of the country allowed freedom of religion, we would not have to be underground, or have fear of persecution.” Religious liberty, passports and visas are not unnecessary luxuries but are often vital for pastors and missionaries seeking to preach and teach the gospel.
Government derives its authority from God to promote good and restrain evil. This mandate is expressly stated in Romans 13:1-7. Elsewhere, Paul urges that prayers be made “for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life” (1 Timothy 2:1-2). Paul understood the need for Christian participation in government.
Government plays a role in the work of God’s kingdom on earth. Good government encourages an environment conducive for people living peaceably, whereas bad government fosters unrest and instability. Because of sin, the legitimate institution of government has, at times, been used illegitimately throughout history. However, numerous examples persist of Christians reasserting their influence and redeeming government to promote good and restrain evil.
In How Christianity Changed the World, Alvin Schmidt documents Christian influence in government. Examples include:
outlawing infanticide
child abandonment
ending gladiatorial games in ancient Rome
ending the practice of human sacrifice among European cultures
banning pedophilia and polygamy
prohibiting the burning of widows in India.
William Wilberforce, a Christian, was the force behind the successful effort to abolish the slave trade in England. In the United States, two-thirds of abolitionists were Christian pastors. In the 1960’s, Martin Luther King Jr., a Christian pastor, helped lead the civil rights movement against racial segregation and discrimination.
Carl Henry rightfully stated that Christians should “work through civil authority for the advancement of justice and human good” to provide “critical illumination, personal example, and vocational leadership.” This has been the historic witness of Christians concerned about government promoting good and restraining evil.
Jeremiah 29:7 says: “But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.” Referring to Babylon, the prophet recognized that secular government served a legitimate purpose in God’s plan for Israel.
Today, good governments promote literacy, advance just laws, provide religious liberty and allow churches to preach and teach. Good government can serve as a conduit for the furthering of the gospel and human flourishing.
Christian witness in the public square contributes transcendent values about moral and ethical issues. Christian withdrawal opens a moral vacuum susceptible to influences that pressure government to move outside the purview designated by God. Politics affects government, shapes society and influences culture. Because of what the Bible teaches and the inevitability of its effect on our culture, Christians must care about politics.
How Can 3LS Global Help
We will first discuss if God is calling you to pray for government, approach specific officials, or run for office.
Depending on your assignment, we will prayfully ensure that you are well prepared, naturally and spiritually to engage government.
Introduce you to individuals who are in government so that you could have access to those who are part of your assignment.
If you are running for office, provide you with information on how to prepare as well as register accordingly to meet all legal requirements to run for office.