Lately all kinds of invitations to sign petitions against the government and so on have been going around the internet. I understand when unbelievers suffer from this kind of thing, but when I get such requests from Christians, and from pastors too, it is simply surprising. Pastors, of all people, ought to know the Scriptures. And what does the Bible say about this? “Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior”. [1 Tim.2:1-3]

Someone may object: “You haven’t seen what’s going on here — how can anyone pray and thank God for our government?” I didn’t write this. Besides, Paul does not write: “pray for kind and gentle kings and for a generous and caring government”, but simply for kings and all who are in authority, which means all of them. And this when the Roman emperors of that time were not known for their generosity. So why pray and thank God for those in authority? The answer is written right there: “That we may lead a quiet and peaceable life…” If you want to live a quiet and peaceable life, the answer is not to take part in all sorts of protest actions, which are actually rebellion and are clearly not welcomed by God, but prayers, supplications, intercessions and so on.

And in conclusion it says that “this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior.” Why? Because every government is in fact from Him. Again someone wants to argue. I’ll say it again — I didn’t make it up. Open the Bible and read: “Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves.” [Rom.13:1-2] Some confuse these verses, thinking that the authorities are pastors and leaders, but the context shows that it is about worldly rulers. The Lord loves us and so does not want us to bring “judgment” on ourselves, and that is why He also offers a solution for living in peace, rest and quietness.