Between You And God #24

Dear God, Why don’t people have a vote and put you back in the schools and government again?

Most democracies—that is, countries whose governments are chosen by and governed by their people—provide for a separation of church and state. That means the government can’t dictate an official religion to any of its people; individuals get to choose their own religion or faith—even if they don’t want one at all.

Long ago, in many countries, and even today in some countries, the king or government decided what faith citizens should have, and the people had no choice in the decision. As Christians, we know that Christianity is about someone choosing to follow God; no one is a Christian just because of where she was born. No one can be forced by a king or government to become a Christian.

Just because God isn’t written into the laws of the schools, or the country, it does not mean he is not involved. The Bible says that God can turn the thoughts of kings like rivers of water (Proverbs 21:1). He can also turn the thoughts of judges and presidents and everyone else who makes decisions. The Bible tells us to obey the laws of our land (Romans 13:1) and to pray for our leaders (1 Timothy 2:1-2). Even if people in the government don’t recognize God, leave him out of their decisions, or pretend he doesn’t exist, God is still in charge.

No matter who is in charge of the government or the schools, remember that God is always in control.

How about You?

Do you feel more comfortable knowing that no matter what is happening in the government, God is always in control? What is the name of one person in government you could pray for right now?

God Says . . .

God reigns above the nations, sitting on his holy throne. . . . All the kings of the earth belong to God. He is highly honored everywhere. Psalm 47:8-9