By There are few things as telling of a Christian’s maturity than his or her attitude to the civil government. It is therefore no surprise to find not only the New Testament filled with instruction on dealing with the government (Mark 12:13-17; Romans 13:1-7; 1 Timothy 2:1-3; Titus 3:1), but also the ever-so-practical book of Proverbs.
A wise person will,
- respect the government and its power (Proverbs 24:21-22),
- be moderate in his or her actions before the powerful (Proverbs 23:1-3; 25:6-7),
- appeal for change through patience and gentleness (Proverbs 25:15), and
- recognise God’s control over the government (Proverbs 29:26).
May, especially the last two, transform our prayers and actions when desiring change in the government and their various offices and services. Wisdom is a liberating thing – test it out when you again stand in a queue at some government institution!
Are you a wise or a foolish person in your relationship to your government?