The Christian and Government: The Importance of a Biblical Worldview, Part One

3With election season upon us, I thought it wise to speak to the importance of having a Biblical worldview that shapes our understanding of God and government, the Christian and our relationship to the government, and the Christian and how we vote. Today's entry is 'Part One,' of a short Blog series: A Biblical Worldview: The Christian and Government.

Everyone has a worldview. A worldview informs how we understand and relate to the world around us. Worldviews are rooted in beliefs or philosophies. For the Christian, the Word of God, the Scriptures, are to form our worldview. A part of our Christian life is continually growing in our understanding of what a Biblical worldview is, and, how to live out of that worldview.

In our highly secular and relativistic age, in an age where there are no absolutes, many people have formed a worldview that is not rooted in Truth. Worldview becomes a 'personalized' thing where our own subjective opinions are all equally valid, with some being more equal than others.

People may borrow from any number of belief systems to form their worldview. We might call this the 'cafeteria approach' to building a worldview, borrowing a little from here, a little from there so as to suit our preferences and, ourselves. This approach leads to moral relativism, which leads to, as Greg Koukl has said, an individual 'having feet firmly planted in midair.'  There are no roots in a relativistic worldview. The individual and his or her autonomy and his or her preferences and desires reigns supreme. Absolute Truth is rejected. 

As Christians, we absolutely believe in Absolute Truth because we believe the Bible is the inspired, authoritative, innerrant Word of God. The task, then, for the Christian is to look at all of life through the Biblical lens of Scripture so that the Word of God shapes our thinking, not the spirit of the age, nor the ever changing opinions and philosophies of man. 

Our relation to government is no exception. 

In starting this short Blog series, we need to remember a few things as we approach election day in November. If we are not clear on the truths mentioned in this post, we will stumble and have a skewed view of the matter. 

1) We must remember that God is Sovereign. He is absolutely in control. Daniel 2:21a 'He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings.'  The Lord God is ultimately the One who puts the authorities over us. He does so in His infinite wisdom, for His glory and purposes.  

As such, our ultimate and first focus is on Him, on loving Him, worshipping Him, growing in our relationship with Him, seeking Him, serving Him, trusting in Him and being about His business. He is God. We are not. No man or woman, no political party, no nation or people can thwart His plans and purposes. 

Daniel 4:35 ' all the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, and he does according to his will among the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay his hand or say to him, “What have you done?”  '

I do not know what His plans are for this nation at this time in our history, but He does. I will not be anxious because I know my God reigns. 

2) Related: Our ultimate trust must be in God, not man. It is easy for us to slide into idolatry here. How amazing would it be if many professing Christians were as passionate about the Lord Jesus and telling others of His greatness, of all that He has done, as they are about political parties or leaders. Man is not sovereign. God is. 

Psalm 20:7 'Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.  '

Where is your ultimate trust? If you have a Biblical worldview, your trust is ultiamtely in God, not man.

3) The Lord has told us to pray for those in authority over us (whether we like them or not). Hear the words of the apostle Paul in 1 Timothy 2:1-4 ' First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, ² for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. ³ This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, ⁴ who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. '

The people Paul wrote to lived under the Roman caesars. There were some caesars who were indifferent to Christianity, some who were tolerant, and some who despised Christianity and severely persecuted believers. God says: 'Pray for them. Pray for all of them.' 

Pray for your mayor. Pray for your city council. Pray for the governor. Pray for your congressman and senator. Pray for the president. Pray. Pray for them to be saved. Pray for them to have godly wisdom. Pray for them to govern virtuously, with goodness and honor. 

This is the starting point for a Biblical worldview on the Christian and government. As this Blog series continues, we will look at a stewardship of privilege and opportunity, and, the matter of voting. 

Today, I pray we would lift up our souls to the King of Kings, who rules over all things, placing our ultimate trust in Him and remembering to pray for all who are in authority over us.

Grace to You,

Pastor