The upcoming American national holiday on July 4 and the daily outpouring of media coverage of the United States presidential election raise the question of how a Lutheran Christian should react to, and teach about, the role of government in our lives.
St. Paul makes it clear in Romans 13:1-7 that government is established and holds its authority by God's gracious provision. Christians are called upon to uphold, obey, and pray for those who rule over us in all things, unless those in authority seek to require us to act against God's will. Even corrupt or inept authorities can act as God's agents for the protection of society and citizens.
So we teach, by word and example, that those in authority should be respected. We live as good citizens, seeking to improve our neighborhood, city, state, nation, and world; we vote, serve on juries, and hold elected office when called to do so. And we pray for health, safety, wisdom, and grace for all those in authority over us, even when we do not agree with their words or actions.
We can look to the examples of Joseph, Daniel, and Esther who sought the welfare of those who imprisoned and enslaved them, even as they served the one true God.
God bless our nation and its leaders! And God bless you as you teach His children His Word.
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