People not submitting to the Authority of the Government?? In the United States?? Dear sir, the people ARE the government in this country. It is we who set the standards. The Constitution, upon which our country is built, begins with the words “We the People …”.

Our Government is not the same as the government in Paul’s time and the apostles time. So why should we respond as Paul and the apostles did?

We will have no government unless “we the people” make our voices heard as to what laws we wish to be governed by. Our faith certainly informs our desires and goals. But we raise our voices to shape our government, not as Christians, but as citizens. It is what our Constitution requires of us.

We are no longer bound to render to Caesar what is Caesar’s, because we are no longer governed by the Caesar. We are governed by “we the people”, who must make their voices heard.

But I would be curious to hear thoughts on the flip side of the coin.

Can a Christian be “too bold?” Specifically this is routed from a conversation with a brother who said Christians should not be socially or politically active. His basis is “No where in the New Testament do you see the apostles trying to change governments or laws or social ethics.”

The conversation diverted far enough he said he believe the Civil Rights non-violent protests of the 50’s were wrong, because people were not submitting to the Authority of the Government, and from there spiraled to “the Underground railroad was a sin, because Paul would tell slaves to go back to their masters and be obedient.” I know this is dangerous ground for being labeled a racist, but a question non-the-less.

But basically my question is, can a Christian be socially active, as supported by the Bible? What about boycotts, sit-ins, rallys and other non-violent acts? Or should we simply keep our ministry and our thoughts to those around us and avoid a public forum. Any insight or verses I would be very interested in hearing.

Thanks, and God Bless.
Jonny

You’re not the only one!

Ditto for the post. It is appreciated.

Tim

True. This temptation confronts me all the time. People offer me bribes to do crooked inspections. I tell them, I could make excuses about fear of getting caught and losing my license, but the truth is..I serve God”

Praise Him for boldness.

Seems so easy, but this is where, the flesh, the world, and the devil rise up, and war against the Spirit. The fight of faith against the tempter can be difficult. The world also can surround us with all it’s delights and pressure.
But the most formidable foe is my flesh, where fear, pride, and self-concern abide.

How did Daniel do it? And the Hebrew children? And Paul? And Peter? John Hus?

I do pray for such courageous faith as these men had. So that Christ is glorified.

Thanks for the good post.