Christians and the Government

Interesting video I watched a while back. Do you agree or disagree with the contents and notes taken during it? We are fast approaching times that we may need to make the choice to be disobedient to the "earthly rulers".

NOTES TAKEN DURING THE VIDEO:

I agree with a lot in this video; if it’s backed by scripture, then I agree. 𝐈𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐰𝐢𝐬𝐭 𝐬𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐩𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐠𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐫 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐠𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫, 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐈’𝐦 𝐨𝐮𝐭.

I pulled some notes from it that stuck out to me and a spickle spackle of my own thoughts.

Christians must live in subjection to the government, pay all taxes owed, and respect the people who hold office in that government.
 

Even when a ruler is acting unjustly, the ruler must be treated with respect. Open defiance is not in keeping with the teachings of God (unless it prevents you from worshiping/serving God).

Rather than worrying about what government “rulers” are doing, politics, and governmental affairs, Christians are to be primarily focused on spiritual things. Christians must not allow themselves to be distracted by earthly things.
 

‘Politics’ in simple words: It is the way that people living in groups make decisions....
 

In everyday life, the term "politics" refers to the way that countries are governed, and to the ways that governments make rules and laws. Most of the time, it’s very corrupt.

Christians are not to get caught up in the dog and pony show designed to divide.
 

Romans 8:5 tells us set our minds on things of the Spirit. Getting entangled in civilian pursuits keeps us from pleasing God.

𝐘𝐞𝐬, 𝐰𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐛𝐞 𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐠𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐜𝐚𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐬𝐥𝐞𝐞𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠. 𝐓𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐬𝐞 𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐭, 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐦𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐛𝐞 𝐟𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐫 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐭’𝐬 𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬.

God’s people have never been led to change the government; they have always been called to do the will of God no matter what government is in place.

1 Tim 2:1-2 tells us we should be praying for all who are in “high positions”; that we may lead a peaceful life that is godly and dignified in every way. We are to be thankful when we’re granted by God the ability to do so through the individual God has allowed in the seat of authority – whether this person is a godly individual or not.

Acts 23:5 tells us we are not to speak evil of a ‘ruler’. I would like to think that means don’t go around dragging them through the mud as a hobby.

Note: It’s not just “speaking ill of a ruler” when you are ringing the alarm bells on certain matters. It doesn’t take much critical thinking to figure out the difference if anyone wants to split hairs on that one.

1. God has authority over everyone and everything.

2. God has granted civil governments authority to accomplish His will.

(What God allows is not always rainbows and butterflies. Let us not forget that. Not everything that will come to pass is going to result in us being comfortable. So if you see someone trying to sound an alarm, don’t automatically preach at them to respect and pray for their government. Don't assume we aren't doing that. Those who speak out can pray for their government AND sound the alarm.)

3. God has given authority to governments that reject His Word.

4. His people are to recognize that civil governments are instituted and empowered by God.

5. God’s followers must live in subjection to civil government and not attempt to make their governments into ‘religious’ governments.

6. God’s followers must pay taxes and conduct themselves as productive citizens.

7. God’s followers are not allowed to stir up rebellion or try to control the manner in which government exercises its power. God’s people have never been called to ‘change the government’, instead, they are called to do His will.

8. When to disobey:
 When the government seeks to prevent Christians from worshiping, obeying, and serving God, are they allowed to disobey the government.

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.

1 Timothy 2:1-2

See also:
 Beautiful & Encouraging Message for Believers Today who are Living in a Modern Babylonian System

 Follow the White Rabbit? Opinion Post on the “Qanon” phenomenon

America's Hidden History - The "faith" of the Founding Fathers: Most of the founding fathers denounced Christ, per their own letters.

See comments below for additional commentary. Be blessed.