Table of Contents
Introduction to How the Church Should Interact With Government
Just how should the Church interact with government? Over the years, the Church at large has lost much of its influence in the world, to include the realm of government. To be clear, there is nothing political about this blog; rather, we will be addressing how the Church should be interacting with those in authority. Here’s a question: do you want to do things God’s way, or lean on your own understanding and risk entering into carnality? Carnality is one of the ways we’ve lost influence. More on that later.
As disciples of Jesus Christ, we must be intentional about our walk with Him, if we we’re going to have influence in the world. Conversely, the more careless we are, the less influence we will have. And of course, a bigger question is what kind of influence do we want to have?
The prophet, Daniel gave us an example of how to interact with those in authority. We’ll see if we can glean some things from him. Before looking at Daniel specifically, we’ll touch on some preliminary things.
God Created Government
Romans 13:1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.
This does state the obvious, but it can be easy to forget God is the One Who set up governments and authorities. With that in mind, it would behoove us to see just how He views them.
God Uses Governments
Jeremiah 29:1 Now these are the words of the letter that Jeremiah the prophet sent from Jerusalem unto the residue of the elders which were carried away captives, and to the priests, and to the prophets, and to all the people whom Nebuchadnezzar had carried away captive from Jerusalem to Babylon.
Everything God creates serves a purpose, and that means He will use governments in a variety of ways. As we begin, we will start with Jeremiah, then transition into Daniel. God gave instructions through Jeremiah to those of Israel who were in captivity under king Nebuchadnezzar.
Prior to their captivity, the children of Israel were in rebellion for a very long time. The Lord had sent numerous prophets who called them to repentance, but they would not budge. They refused to return to Him. At last, the Lord’s longsuffering came to an end. He destroyed Jerusalem by sending the Babylonians to do the job. Many died by the sword, famine and pestilence, while a remnant went into captivity. If you look further, you’ll find the ultimate goal was Israel’s repentance.
Early Instructions On How to Interact With Government
Jeremiah 29:5-7 Build ye houses, and dwell in them; and plant gardens, and eat the fruit of them; Take ye wives, and beget sons and daughters; and take wives for your sons, and give your daughters to husbands, that they may bear sons and daughters; that ye may be increased there, and not diminished. And seek the peace of the city whither I have caused you to be carried away captives, and pray unto the LORD for it: for in the peace thereof shall ye have peace.
While they were instructed to go about their daily lives so they could survive as nation, God gave them an interesting addition: they were to pray for the peace of the city in which they were taken captive. We’re talking about praying for their enemies. The very ones who annihilated their fellow citizens and family members, and destroyed Jerusalem, including the Temple. Every policy of those in authority were diametrically opposed to their own to say the least; and yet, God had the children of Israel praying them.
Without that prayer, they would be without peace. Which leads us to another Scripture which instructs us concerning government.
1 Timothy 2:1-3 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour.
Secondly, we are to love our enemies, regardless of how they treat us. This can feel very counterintuitive, especially when much of the culture that surrounds us encourages retaliation. But what does Jesus say about the matter?
Matthew 5:43-48 You have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love your neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That you may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for He makes His sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love them which love you, what reward have you? do not even the publicans the same? And if you salute your brethren only, what do you more than others? do not even the publicans so? Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.
We know as believers, we will face persecution in one form or another. However, we’ve got to get honest: being self-righteous and acting like a jerk to others are not grounds for persecution. If you treat people poorly, don’t say you’re being persecuted, because you’re not. They are simply rejecting you because of your bad attitude and behavior.
Now that that’s out of the way, part of our warfare is to remain spiritual by extending mercy to those who don’t deserve it. But then, none of us were deserving either, but God still extended it to us. Jesus revealed an aspect of ABBA’s heart that would serve us well if we followed suit. He is merciful and kind to the just and unjust alike. We can only overcome evil with good!
Romans 12:17-21 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lies in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.
God’s Word Toward Us
Jeremiah 29:10-14 For thus saith the LORD, That after seventy years be accomplished at Babylon I will visit you, and perform my good word toward you, in causing you to return to this place. For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Then shall you call upon Me, and you shall go and pray unto Me, and I will hearken unto you. And you shall seek Me, and find Me, when you shall search for Me with all your heart. And I will be found of you, saith the LORD: and I will turn away your captivity, and I will gather you from all the nations, and from all the places whither I have driven you, saith the LORD; and I will bring you again into the place whence I caused you to be carried away captive.
One thing we must remember is God’s Word toward us is always for our good, regardless of who is in power. His plans and purposes for you are not predicated on governments and authority who over us. Although, how we interact with them may have an effect.
