Should Christians be involved in government?

Should Christians be involved in government? The answer is yes! There are many examples of godly men and women engaged in government. Daniel advised kings over many decades. Esther used her influence to save her people and implement fair and just laws. Jeremiah spoke to the king and leaders of the nation to influence their policies. Joseph credited God with his placement as prime minister of Egypt. According to Paul in Romans 13, government is ordained by God to promote good and restrain evil. God authorizes the government to wield the sword for the administration of justice. Solomon wrote: By justice a king gives a country stability, but those who are greedy for bribes tear it down” (Proverbs 29:4). He also stated, Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin condemns any people” (Proverbs 14:34).

However, we are told not to trust human leaders because they cannot save us (Psalms 146:3). We are to pray that our leaders will adhere to godly policies. When they don’t, we pray that they will change their ways or be removed. We are to love good and hate evil (Psalms 97:10).

We should pray that God raises up godly young men and women who desire to serve their nation in places of leadership. Two worldviews are vying to dominate control of our nation. One is the godless humanist view, which ignores God and biblical morality. The other is a biblical view that embraces biblical principles. The two views are diametrically opposed to each other. While we live in this world, we must obey scripture and follow God’s laws. There will always be opposition to God’s ways, but that does not mean we should give up. On the contrary, we should fight for justice and righteousness. Wilber Wilberforce is an excellent example of fighting for the right and winning. He fought for many decades to see slavery abolished in England, and he did finally see that happen.

Even when we have good leaders, we know that they will fall short because they are humans, and humans fail. Even when their intentions are good, they often fail to bring them into reality. Our only realistic hope is the kingdom of God. God has promised a King who will be wise and understanding, a just Judge who will rule with righteousness and faithfulness. There will never be true peace until Jesus brings it to this world.

Jesus is qualified to lead us and to bring peace to this world. These qualifications are not found in this capacity in any human leader. The Spirit of the Lord rests on him. Jesus will not leave us alone to fight these battles. God encouraged Jeremiah with these words: “I will make you a wall to this people, a fortified wall of bronze; they will fight against you but will not overcome you, for I am with you to rescue and save you,” declares the Lord” Jeremiah 15:20).