“Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s.” Matthew 22:21b
In John 6:15, the people wanted to make Christ their king, eyeing His miraculous power as a means to relieve their nation of its political and social problems. Christ withdrew from this. In John 18:36, Christ declared that the Kingdom of God was separate from civil government’s civil matters.
In Luke 13:1-5, Jesus did not take up the initiative to secure social justice for the atrocities committed by the Roman governor.
On other occasions, such as Matthew 22:21, Christ taught that people were to fulfill their obligations to both God and civil government, without neglect to either.
Romans 13:1-7, declares that all mankind, Christians included, are to be respectful of and obedient to civil government, which God ordained for the human race as a whole, not just for Christians.
So when it comes time to choose leaders for civil government, that is what we are to do. When it comes time to ordain leaders in the church, that is what we are to do. The qualifications for these separate positions differ. The best Christian on earth may know little about civil government, while the best civil leader may not be qualified for a leadership position in church. Being a Christian does not make you the best bus driver, the best pilot, the best soldier, the best policeman, the best banker, the best governor, etc.
Granted, if the playing field is level when it comes to qualifications for a secular position, a Christian can, and should be, the better choice based on godliness being superior to worldliness.
We should not expect that we can change the spiritual condition of our nation through civil government. That can only happen through repentance and faith in response to people turning to God and His Word.
But as a citizen, we must choose the most qualified leaders, without directly supporting those who are defying the moral laws of the God who ordained government.
“Shouldest thou help the ungodly, and love them that hate the Lord? Therefore is wrath upon thee from before the Lord.” 2 Chronicles19:2
SHARING
