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Bulletin articles
Responding Righteously
We are living in the most politically tumultuous time in my memory. No doubt, others will recall equally or more troubling times, but I doubt any would argue that these are peaceful days. So how do we navigate this very troubled course? In one sense, that is a difficult question, to which there are not easy answers. But in another, it is an age-old problem, to which the Bible clearly speaks.
Live righteously (Titus 2.11-12). If we want to be a positive influence, we must not be hypocritical. By doing right when very few others are, we season and shine (Matthew 5.13-16). Doing right includes…
Respect governing authorities (Titus 3.1). So long as they are not attempting to interfere with our obedience, “Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities…” (Romans 13.1-7; cf. 1 Peter 2.13-17) In our efforts to advocate and promote righteousness, we must not resort to unrighteousness — illegal (ungodly) or unethical (unloving) conduct. But always…
Obey God rather than men (Acts 5.29). When government (or any other authority) opposes our obedience, or demands our disobedience, obey God anyway. His is the throne before which we will be ultimately judged (Revelation 20.11).
Advocate righteousness (Psalm 33.12; Provers 14.34). We have the Biblically-sanctioned right to use privileges that are associated with our citizenship (Acts 16.35-39; 21.37-40; 25.10-12). The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution reads, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.” Use it for righteous good.
Pray (1 Timothy 2.1-3). Pray for our leaders, their decisions and policies, and the citizenship of the nation. “O God, You have rejected us. You have broken us; You have been angry; O, restore us. You have made the land quake, You have split it open; Heal its breaches, for it totters. You have made Your people experience hardship; You have given us wine to drink that makes us stagger. You have given a banner to those who fear You, That it may be displayed because of the truth. That Your beloved may be delivered, Save with Your right hand, and answer us!” (Psalm 60.1-5)
It is easy to become overwhelmed by the darkness around us; but through it all, Christians must remember, “This world is not my home, I’m just a passing thru.” (Philippians 3.20-21; Colossians 3.1-4; Titus 2.11-14)
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