What It Means to be a Christian in a Nation with an Evil Government

We live in a world where suffering seems familiar to many of us. We can learn and apply many truths and healing principles to our lives by studying the book of Job in the Bible.

The overturning of Roe vs. Wade did not create division in America; it started when leaders started supporting individual groups, such as BLM, ANTIFA, DEFUND THE POLICE, and OPENING THE BORDERS. However, they want to attack freedom of speech, the 2nd amendment, religious beliefs, parental rights, and more.

With the rise of nationalism, right-wing movements, and the encouraging of far-right ideologies in the current political climate, many Christians are asking what it means to be a Christian in a nation with an evil government. 

Today, we see many examples of leaders who do not align with Christian values. There is also an increase in persecution of Christians and laws that restrict our ability to practice our faith. This has led many Christians to wonder how they should respond to a government that is unkind to their beliefs. Should we separate from society and isolate ourselves? 

Or are there better ways for us to answer? In this podcast, we will look at what it means to be a Christian in a nation with an evil government and explore several helpful principles that can guide us in living boldly as followers of Christ during these times.

What does the Bible say about being a Christian in an evil society?

The Bible has much to say on this topic. We see several examples of Christians being persecuted for their faith by leaders who did not align with Christian values. 

One example is when the apostle Paul was charged with being a troublemaker and was imprisoned. Another example is when the apostle Peter was imprisoned for preaching about Jesus. 

There is also the example of how Christians were pressured to participate in worshiping the Roman emperor as a god. Despite these societal pressures and the risk of persecution, the Bible teaches us that followers of Christ are to follow God's word, not the government's. 

The Bible also teaches us that as followers of Christ, we must remain in society, not isolate ourselves. Jesus himself said that Christians should be part of society. He said, "Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven" (Matthew 5:16 ).

The importance of resisting evil

One of the essential principles to keep in mind as Christians in a nation with an evil government is that we should actively resist evil. 

There are many examples in the Bible of how Christians actively resisted evil in their societies. One example is when Peter and the apostle John were ordered not to preach and were threatened with arrest, they replied by saying, 

"Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge. For we cannot but speak about what we have seen and heard" (Acts 4:19-20). 

Another example is when the apostle Paul boldly resisted the evil practices of false teachers in his society. He said, "When I came to you, I did not come with excellence of speech or wisdom. For I have known you for a long time, and your souls are in an idle state. 

But now I am going to come to you for the third time, and I will not be a shame to you as I have been, but with a little shame, as the representative of the shame of the Christ" (2 Corinthians 2:1-2).

Finding ways to resist evil actively.

As a Christian, you don't have to wait for society to oppress you before resisting evil. 

You have a responsibility to fight corruption whenever you see it actively. When you witness an injustice, speak up against it. When you encounter a form of evil, resist it with the truth. When you see violence, stand against it with love. 

When you observe hatred, respond to it with kindness. When you detect greed, meet it with generosity. You don't have to wait until you are imprisoned or until your rights are taken away to resist evil. You can do it now, and you can do it with words and actions that show the love of Christ.

Finding ways to respond to evil with good

Another principle to keep in mind as a Christian in a nation with an evil government is that you should actively respond to evil with good.

While we should always respond to evil with truth, there are times when we need to respond to evil with interest. 

For example, if you witness a violent act and try to speak up against it only to be met with hate and hostility, then a better response for you might be to respond with love. 

Or, if you meet a person who is consumed with greed, a better answer might be to respond with generosity. You can bring light into a dark world by responding to evil with good.

How can we find strength during times of trial?

Another essential principle to remember as a Christian in a nation with an evil government is that we should not expect to be free from trials. 

Followers of Christ are promised that they will experience difficulties and testing during their lives. The apostle Paul himself said, "In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world" (John 16:33 ). 

When you are going through a trial, instead of focusing on what is happening to you and your rights being taken away, focus on how you can use this trial to bring glory to God. 

How can you use what you are going through for others? How can you turn your situation into a blessing for others? You can keep your eyes on the goal, knowing that God will use your trials to draw you closer to him, strengthen your faith, and make you more like Christ.

Run From Sin
Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 2 Timothy 2:22

Conclusion

When we focus on the principles discussed above, we can find strength during times of trial and persecution. 
We can also find comfort as we navigate the current political landscape of our society, knowing that we have the eternal word of God to guide us. 

As we navigate these challenging political times, we can find strength and comfort knowing that God is sovereign and is in control. We can also find comfort knowing that God is a God of justice, and we can trust him to bring justice to all people. 

In the meantime, we can continue to resist evil actively, respond to evil with good, and find strength during times of trial. With these principles in mind, we can be confident that we can be followers of Christ during the current political climate, no matter what society throws our way.

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