THE DISCIPLE AND GOVERMENT

Lots of controversies and arguments have been raised in recent years regarding the disciple’s involvement with politics and government. In this article I give my humble opinion.

The disciple’s allegiance is to Christ and His Word. Regarding local or global political involvement, we are not called to promote or go against any form of government. Our authority comes from our Lord and His Word, which is above any political view or ideology.

With and through the power of the Holy Spirit, we can operate under any type of government and be loyal to it, up to the point where we are required to compromise our testimony or deny the Lord.

We are not called to conspire against any form of government. The apostle Paul example and teachings are clear regarding the Christian’s submission to government authorities. We read in Romans 13:1 that “everyone must obey state authorities, because no authority exists without God’s permission, and the existing authorities have been put there by God.”

We are commanded to pray and share the good news with those in government positions as written in 1st Timothy 2:1-4 “I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone, for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.”

As Christians, we are to proclaim the gospel to all people; this calling we received from God (Mark 16:15.) We are ambassadors of Christ (2nd Corinthians 5:20). We are just passing by; as Peter called us “we are aliens and strangers in this world” (1st Peter 2:11) and as Jesus also declared to His disciples: “My kingdom does not belong to this world; if my Kingdom belonged to this world, my followers would fight” John18:36

People need a fulfilling eternal solution, which is only found in Jesus, rather than a temporal empty remedy. Government and political ideologies will never bring the peace that only Jesus can give to the heart.