What would government and society look like if Christians seriously pursued the whole counsel of Scripture?

We would value human life, practice generosity and hospitality, defend the vulnerable, pursue justice, honor holiness, tell the truth, exercise authority rightly, care for the poor, welcome the stranger, practice personal responsibility, show mercy, and refuse to be governed by fear.

Trying to hold all of those convictions together quickly exposes the limits of our political categories. Scripture makes demands that don't fit neatly within any human political system.

It also exposes something deeper. Sinful people cannot build a perfectly righteous society. Governments cannot change the human heart. Even good laws, wise leaders, and faithful citizens cannot produce everything Scripture teaches us to desire.

Christians still pursue good government and a good society wherever God gives us influence. Yet the more seriously we take that task, the more clearly we see our need for a righteous King.

The government we ultimately long for requires Christ.

Scripture: Isaiah 11:1–5; Jeremiah 29:7; Romans 13:1–7; Matthew 6:10.

Cedar Springs Community Church
Graham, Washington 98338
cedarspringsnw.com