How to Handle a Government Decision You Disagree With
Just a few minutes ago, the United States Supreme Court handed down a ruling that was sure to set people off, no matter how that 9-person high court ruled. Of course, the court upheld the so-called “Obama-care” legislation by a 5-4 margin.
In our digital age, it came as no surprise that Twitter, Facebook, and other sites exploded immediately. People were sharing links, giving their opinions, and … well … some were doing far worse.
This post is not about the health care ruling. I have my opinions on the matter, and I do care about our country. I like politics, and I vote (and I’d like to think I do so as an informed citizen). I want this to be a strong nation, and I believe government and politics have a large part in that.
But this post is about how we need to handle it when the government does something we disagree with. As the ruling came down, I saw Christians explode with venom toward the President, the Court, Congress, and others. I don’t think all of it was meant to be cruel, but some of it certainly came off that way. Anytime a ruling on any matter that approaches this magnitude comes across, this is true…
…and I hate to see it.
Brothers and sisters, we need to remember our purpose here on the earth.
We are put on this earth to glorify God. Period. End of sentence.
No government can change that. No politician or court ruling can change that. No party, affiliation, or movement can change that.
So, when the government–at any level or in any form–does something you strongly disagree with, what should we do?
1. Remember that God is still on His throne. He is greater and higher than any court or leader, and He is still in control.
2. Pray for our leaders. I think that should be especially true for those with whom you disagree. Remember, “The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; He directs it wherever He wishes” (Proverbs 21:1).
3. Honor our leaders. Yes, sometimes leaders make decisions I disagree with–and sometimes I disagree very strongly. But they are still our leaders. Early Christians faced an empire that sought to destroy them, and they were still told to “honor the king” (1 Peter 2:17). You can disagree, but avoid being disagreeable.
4. Speak facts. Enter into the discussion, but always be honest with the facts in the discussion. Of course, many of these things deal with “heart matters,” too, but we need to be sure that when we speak in matters of fact, that we remain firmly honest.
5. Get involved honorably. We have a great system of government that allows us to vote, support candidates, or even run for office. Please do not get angry about decisions of the government if you are not at least voting! Also, you can contact your leaders, but, again, do so with kindness and facts.
6. Never put our nation in heaven’s rightful place. I want America to be great. I love this nation, and I pray often for our future. But we need to remember that this world really is not our home. Never put a nation above that heavenly land.
7. Remember that you will be judged by “every” thought, word, and action. Yes, even in a heated moment. Yes, even if you disagree. Yes, even if you think something will bring down our nation. God will bring it all into judgment, and we are accountable for not only what we believe (which should match up with God’s Word), but how we express that (which must match up as well), whether in spoken words or in what we post on Twitter and Facebook.
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QUESTION: Agree or disagree?
36 Comments
Dad
It’s obvious that you got your insight from your mother!!
Wes McAdams
Very well, said, brother!
Sandy Puckett
Excellent commentary! Thank you!
Doyle
Amen
Mom
Thanks Adam for this timely comment. I am very distraught about the direction in which our country is going, but you helped remind me of Who is in control.
Brian
amen, Christians should be leading the way in dealing with these issues civilly and graciousness, sadly, like in many other areas, we behave like those who haven’t committed their lives to Jesus. thanks!
Nick Gill
Agree! Thank you, Adam!
Lynn
Like Brian said ” Christians should be leading the way in dealing with these issues” and the first step in leading should be in prayer to our Father….not just once, but constantly putting our nation before God to lead the leaders in His direction, which as proved by the early Christains, may not be an easy direction of us.
Bp410berry
Well said! Thank you I needed to be reminded of those things. God is in control! Love and miss you and your sweet family. Tell Leah hello.
Hughhoneycutt
Emperor Nero and emperor Domittian made the decision to feed Christians to wild beasts ,
dogs ,and the fire.These Christions died singing praises to GOD. Christians today don’t seem to have A clue.Thank you for your post.It is encouring .Hugh Honeycutt Erwin Tn.
Centerview Church of Christ.
Eric L. Padgett
I have never forgotten that God rules in the kingdoms of men and setteth up over them even the basest of men. (He ceretainly did this in the last election.) My allegiance is to God and His Christ only. But as a Christian in America I am free (up till now, at least) to make my voice heard. The things that are being foisted upon this country are not just against my politics but are anti-Christian. These socialist policies are against my politics precisely because they are against the Biblical worldview set forth in God’s word. I will oppose them with every fiber of my being till my last breath is drawn. John the Baptist publicly oppossed the immorality of Herod and was put to death for it. He called the pharisees a generation of vipers. Jesus called the scribes and pharisees hypocrites. Paul caused an uproar in Ephesus. He used his status as a Roman citizen to stand before Roman authorities and ultimately before Caesar. Courage is what we need today, not a false piety!
Adam Faughn
Thanks for reading and for your comment, Eric. You do still have the freedom to make your voice heard in America. If you didn’t, you wouldn’t have been able to comment on a blog post like this one, and you would not be able to preach each week in Evansville.
You and I don’t know one another, but those who know me know that I stand strongly against immoral behavior and will denounce sin. My point in this post was to remind us all to do so with a Christian attitude. Far too many Christians go beyond “righteous judgment” to a type of anger that leads to other sins. Sometimes they lie. Sometimes they do not show proper honor to our leaders. I may not agree with leaders, but they are still our leaders, and their position is worthy of my respect.
This post was not meant in the least to fain some type of “false piety.” It was meant to remind Christians to stand strong, but to do so with their Christian attitudes in tact. Again, thanks for reading and commenting.
Robert Bell
You put it correctly Adam, I thank you for writing this artical, I pray everyone will do as you sugest.
Thank You
Robert Bell
Tyler
Great post. I had the honor of teaching vbs last week and ask the senior high class if they thought being a Christian was easier today or while Christ was on earth. They all said then and it got me thinking that most “Christians” today won’t sacrifice practice for a sporting event, a little money, or especially time for God and we say we would sacrifice our lives to worship God. Even as immoral as our country seems to be I thank God I live in today’s world where my life is safe worshiping God. We could all sacrifice more and we should but I don’t think we even compare to the courage of First century Christians.
Frankie Sutherland
I completely agree with everything you said, and I do get very upset at the government sometimes, but it is like you said God is in control and we need to pray about it and do our part by at least voting and then leave the rest up to God. If we talk bad about our leaders in not a tasteful way, we are no better than them. Thanks so much for the article, very well worded!!
Mecordl
I agree with this. We are Christians foremost. There are thousands of things that are not good for our country in MY opinion but we can make difference in our own small portion of this country by being the type of people God would have us to be.
Orangemystik
ABSOLUTELY AGREE!
I tend to rely to much on my emotions to really make a dent in any argument.
The best and most important thing we can do is to go to our God.
After all, we are HIS children and under his mighty hand.
No MAN can change that.
Mbensonkw
You’ve made some good, solid points, Adam. I appreciate your voice as well as your courage. I want to re-study, consider, pray, and repent, after reading your piece.
Just a few thoughts and questions for our mutual consideration (perhaps for some follow up articles)…1. I hope that simply disagreeing with the government is not considered “venom.”2. Yes, my allegiance should be to the kingdom of Christ first and foremost of all. (Thanks for the gentle reminder).3. It is my conviction that some brethren have taken Exo. 22:28b/Acts 23:5 out of its context and essentially decided that Christian cannot voice opposition (in any form) against evil and wrongdoing…even in government.
4. Unless the Lord comes first, I envision the day when Christians won’t be able to have this kind of public forum. This freedom will be taken from us. (For whatever that’s worth).
5. Is sarcasm in all its forms necessarily evil? Would you consider a political cartoon as sinful? Is political satire always evil and/or sinful?
6. Is there ever a time when we as Christians are to be bold in our opposition of what is happening in government?
7. When Paul was asked to quietly leave town (cf. Acts 16), he protested rather firmly as I recall (v. 37). Would you say he sinned on that occasion? I’d appreciate some in-depth study on what happened here. I see a big different between being a servant of Christ and a doormat for people to step on… Some folks can’t seem to differentiate between the two.
8. My experience has been that when I disagree, in any form, with any liberal policy, I am on occasion branded, even by some of my own brethren, as a racist. I personally resent the connotation and chose to disagree. Because I disagree with our President’s stance on homosexuality, or abortion, or so-called “heath care” (which it’s not), doesn’t make me a racist.
9. Can I make a point, and show the inconsistency of a governmental policy, and not sin? Because I illustrate the error of an idea, in a satirical way, is that necessarily wrong? (I’m thinking out loud).
In light of your observations, I’ve decided to take down some of my comments online.
A frustrated brother,
Mike
Eric L. Padgett
A huge chunk of our freedom was stripped from us today and, because many will be satisfied with a few crumbs that fall from the “master’s table”, most won’t even be bothered by it. That is, until the next time they take away a freedom that might hit closer to home. We were free to preach last week, yes, but what about the next? Or the next? The government under Obama and the progressives might decide to tax the preaching of the gospel. Regardless of what the government says, we must obey God rather than men, and I will preach and teach the truth even from a jail cell or prison. Make no mistake, there are areas in this country where standing for what is right is even now met with literal persecution with the police turning a blind eye toward it (see http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnJBW49afzg). Legislation is being put forward which would technically make it a crime to speak against homosexuality (http://www.apologeticspress.org/apcontent.aspx?category=7&article=1055). Why wait until we are thrown into jail for teaching the truth? Let us speak forth with all boldness (I Phil.1 :12-21). This my get us thrown into jail at some point but at least the truth will be preached and God will be glorified.
What I don’t understand in what you and many others write is that you warn the Christian against acting badly but not a word against those who have actually done wrong. I don’t just “strongly diasagree” with the SC ruling today. It is wrong to have death panels that determine whether someone lives or dies. It is wrong to take someone’s freedom. Being a Christian does not mean turning over, giving in, and doing nothing. I have no doubt that you mean well. But what we need now more than ever before is more vigilance . We need soldiers who will stand against error and do what Jesus did. It is not mean-spirited to overthrow the money-changer’s tables or to call Pharisee a whited sepulchre, is it? If it is good enough for the Lord, it is good enough for me.
Debbie Dearinger
There is a very comforting verse in the Bible that explicitly says: ” Do not worry about tomorrow for tomorrow will take care of itself .Each day has its problem of it’s own.” Matthew 6:34. Think about it, God is not shaken at the events of the hour. He already knew the answer. As christians we need to let the outside world see how our faith is not shaken because God is still God. This not the time to fold up in fear because the task is to great. What we Christians need to do is be sure we hear voice of God. AND HE WILL SPEAK ….just listen for Him. He’ll show up at the meeting! God is Good all the time!!!!!!!!
Concerned Citizen
Of course there is a God and he is in control but God gave us a brain and he expects us to use it…We can’t ignore what is going on. We were blessed to be born in this country and he expects us to take care of it. This country is for all people that seek freedom. If we don’t fight to keep this freedom there is no other place to go. Christians need to stand up and fight together. We need to be heard. I admire the Catholic Church out there fighting for rights of the unborn, for Christian belief,s and the teaching of right and wrong. Where are the other Church’s and why are they not helping with this fight? They hide behind the pulpit afraid they will offend someone. Stand up Christians for the fight and yes PRAY…….
Adam Faughn
Mike,
You have asked some of the same questions I have had throughout the years, as one who enjoys politics. Personally, I do not have a problem with satire, so long as it does not impugn someone’s character. I would rather satire take issue with an issue rather than a personality, but that is simply my opinion.
There are times where we do not need to be silent, and it is fine to protest, even vocally, but we must remember that our goal is always the salvation of souls. I have looked at Acts 16 many times, and the truth is, I do not know what I think about Paul’s actions. Wish I could figure it out!
Adam Faughn
“Concerned,”
I have done my part many times. I have voted, been part of a silent protest against abortion, written to more than one leader, called a representative’s office to voice my opinion about a certain bill, and more. While there is always more that can be done, more than Catholics ARE working to uphold Christian morals in our nation.
Thanks for reading and commenting.
Adam Faughn
Eric,
I have stated publicly and made a vow with my Lord that I will stand for the truth even if I go to prison for it. That is not our issue in this post. Our issue is how we have allowed the government to take the place of God in many people’s minds. Just because a decision is made that we disagree with, far too many Christians either doubt God or turn against their Christian principles in order to protest (or just out of anger).
I have disagreed with many government decisions and have voiced such, but within the system (letters, emails, phone calls, and even a silent protest), and hopefully in such a way that did not cut off the lines of communication for the Gospel. After all, that is what our #1 message is to be.
As far as the example of Christ goes, remember that the money changer’s tables were in the temple, not in the government. False religion made him more upset than anything a governmental leader did. Maybe it should be the same for us. (just thinking out loud)
Again, thanks for reading and commenting. Your points are well-taken, and you state them very well.
Adam
Judge
Adam, I appreciated your comments and have wrestled with the same thoughts. Here is a question for us to consider together. Is there ever a time for Christians to be involved in the taking up of arms to keep its country free. Were our Revolutionary fathers sinful for doing so to provide for you and me this freedom we enjoy today to comment as we are presently doing, to worship safely, and to have access to all the other freedoms we hold so dearly. Yes, I know that our greatest freedom is that which we have in Christ…yes, I know that our first century brothers went to their deaths for the cause of Christ..yes, I know that the kingdom of God’s power is not in the sword. I have preached many times that no matter the outcome, no matter what government is in control , that our call is to be faithful to God and glorify Him in all that we say and do.
However, I also know that without the brave defenders of liberty during the Revolutionary War we would not be enjoying any of the above stated freedoms, nor for the efforts of those in WWII would we have defeated a ferocious dictator bent on murdering millions of jews and anyone else that did not support his evil agenda. Were Christians in Germany violating God’s rule for resisting Hitler…even by the taking up of arms? When God uses a nation or an individual to defeat such cruelty is it sinful for a Christian to be that individual or one that nation’s participants? Are our Christian brothers fighting in Afghanistan commiting sin right now by fighting for liberty today? I struggle with these questions every day…what do you think?
Logansummers
Great post my friend!
Many Christians are improperly balanced when it comes to our views on Government. Question…when Paul wrote that we ought to obey the governing authorities, was he talking about only those governments that are good, and “God-fearing” nations? What Government was Paul talking about in Romans 13? Rome! A government far worse than ours. And yet the Bible explicitly declares that God has allowed those in charge to be in charge. But Paul spoke of obedience and respect to a government that was focused on emperor worship, idolatry to the Nth degree, and even persecution of Christians. To say the US is bad because of the immorality going on today is true. But to behave in an unChristian manner, and to disobey Romans 13:1-7 is sin, just like any other sin.
One last point: the Bible also teaches that we must obey God rather than men. Not a few have used this verse to act in the ungodly ways they do against the government. However, what the passage teaches is that we disobey government when it FORCES us to sin. Even first-century Christians had to pay taxes that technically would indirectly help their persecutors persecute. That requires more study on my part but perhaps I can say faithfully, we must disobey government only when it forces us to directly sin. Haha I’m sure that last statement will get me into trouble. Again, appreciate the article brother! It is encouraging to know that so many DO want to do the right thing! Even if it goes against their personalities.
Trent Wheeler
I appreciate Adam’s thoughts. Having lived and worked in various places around the world, from countries that were socialist to places that ran like a dictatorship, I have a great love of our democratic system (though I am often frustrated with it).
When the daily affairs of life and government seem to impose on our lives we sometimes forget that God is soveriegn. That God rules in the affairs of men and that governments are ordained by God. Just a few quick points to remember:
1. Christianity has always seemed to advance more rapidly during periods of persecution (Acts 8:4). Comfort, ease and financial security may seem to be a blessing in the moment, but they also lead to apathy and a tendency to drift away from our faith (just reread Judges).
2. If we trace Christianity back to its roots in the first century – most of our brothers and sisters in Christ have not live during times of peace, prosperity or democracy. I am confident this is one reasons Paul spoke so strongly in Romans 13 about our need to be submissive to governments.
3. We need to shore up our faith. Thomas Jefferson stated, “I fear for my country when I realize that God is just.” It is naive to think that America will be the beacon light of prosperity, or even Christianity forever. Are we spiritually prepared to live a life of faith and commitment to God even if the worst comes?
By God’s grace I was born in the United States. I am a flag-waving lover of my country, but my true allegance must always be to God. As a result, I have an obligation to “obey” even when I don’t agree.
Trent Wheeler
Logansummers
Btw, I do disagree with much of what has gone on recently. And I will do all I can as a Christian to oppose it and proactively fight against it.
Cindy
I am on the same page with Trent.
I grew up in socialist country as the child of a missionary. I have been blessed to travel and see the Lord’s church in 11 different countries and governments. We have dear friends sacrificing to spread the Word in improverished and stifled goverments. A quote from my mother is that “Christians need to pray that the Gospel will always have free reign”. In being taught that, my biggest concern about the many and radical changes in our country is that they may hinder this. Then I remember two things that give me comfort and joy.
1. The governments and church belong to God. He will preserve and and impower them as He sees fit..
2. Phil 3:20 – “Our citizenship is in heaven..”.
Samuelcobbina2010
This a wonderful piece from a bralliant child of God
Guest
I usually do not enjoy getting into political squabbles, but these quotes from David Lipscomb were very interesting to me, so I thought I would share. I also do not specifically agree with these statements, but they are definitely worth thinking about.
“Every act of alliance with or reliance for aid upon the human government on the part of the church or its members, is spiritual adultery.”
“To the claim that a Christian is bound to vote, when he has the privilege, for that which promotes morality, and to fail to vote for the restriction and suppression of evil is to vote for it, we have determined that, to vote or use the civil power is to use force and carnal weapons. Christians cannot use these. To do so is to do evil that good may come. This is specially forbidden to Christians. To do so is to fight God’s battles with the weapons of the evil one. To do so is to distrust God. The effective way for Christians to promote morality in a community, is, to stand aloof from the political strifes and conflicts, and maintain a pure and true faith in God, which is the only basis of true morality, and is as a leaven in society, to keep alive an active sense of right. To go into political strife is to admit the leaven of evil into the church.”
Adam Faughn
Trent,
I appreciate your perspective so much on this matter. I have traveled outside our country, but only in what we would consider the “western world.” It is helpful to hear from those who have seen other worldviews up close. You are so right about Christianity growing and spreading historically during times of difficulty and even persecution. Often, when we have a time of ease and prosperity, our numbers might grow, but I wonder how many of the people associated with Christianity are only holding to what we often deem the “prosperity gospel.” When times get difficult, the truly faithful remain and the church benefits.
Adam Faughn
I believe it is perfectly legitimate for Christians to take up arms in certain contexts. Governments are used by God to “use the sword” to punish evil. When someone like a Hitler, Stalin, or bin Ladin is in power, evil is in power, and governments have every right to try to punish or even oust that evil-doer. I believe Christians have every right to fight in such conflicts.
However, Christians are told further to “honor the king,” which I believe is a reference to their own leader (in our case, our entire governmental system). That is why I feel Christians should respect the government and the offices found therein, but can–with all good conscience–work within the system to bring about changes when morality is compromised.
Adam Faughn
Cindy,
I had forgotten that your “bringing-up years” were in a socialist nation. What a wonderful perspective. I pray for free reign for the Gospel, too, but realize that God sets up and takes down governments according to His ultimate plan, not for my ease or comfort.
Benaiah
Brother Faughn,
I thank you for the forum and for hearing me out.
You surely are right in pointing out that Christians must maintain the character and attitude of Christ in all their actions. You’ll receive no argument from me on that. But what happened yesterday, and what has been happening to our society for a long period of time now, has been the slow but certain erosion of our freedoms and the Judeao-Christian culture upon which this country was founded. What we saw yesterday was more than that. It was the culmination of hundred years of progressive activism. It was an escalation. What we saw yesterday was terrorists lopping off of the head of two hapless victims–reason and freedom.
The truth is, our one and only message is the gospel. But the gospel is more than the command to be baptized. It is more than the fact that Jesus came in the flesh. The gospel is the whole body of doctrine set forth in the Bible in general and in the New Testament in particular. The Bible sets forth a worldview of interconnecting ideas and values established firmly upon the solid rock of Revelation and Reason. When one obeys the gospel one is committed to obeying the Lord–submitting wholly to that form of doctrine delivered to us by divine inspiration and at great cost.
You emphasize that disagreeing with the government must be done “within the system (letters, emails, phone calls, and even a silent protest).” That is why I have been emphasizing that in America we have had the freedom to make our voices heard and to influence others with the Truth. I don’t think your list exausts all the possibilities, however. Knowing the terror of the Lord we need to persuade men. The more people who vote and live based on a Biblical worldview, the more conducive this country will be to living quiet and peacable lives. God has given us a great gift in living in America. Let us not waste it.
My point about Christ and the money lender’s tables was that, regardless against whom His actions were directed, His actions could not have constituted cruelty or mean-spiritedness. If He is our example–and He is–then how can it be considered cruel or mean for us to call a spade a spade, if He did. I would love to see more Christians and preachers speak all the truth in love regarding false doctrine. Many brethren, I am afraid, won’t deal with many substantive issues, choosing rather a false piety, a misguided acceptance of the false notion that peace is always more acceptable than confrontation. My Bible does not read that way. The mouths of subverters must be stopped; those who suffer Jezebel will be cast into her bed of affliction.
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