There is a plethora of jokes about government in general, with many of them highlighting the corrupt nature of many selfish politicians who dominate the scene. It’s not how God intended it to be. Government was instituted by God for our good.

In the New Testament, Paul asserts that governmental authority is ordained by God, and he identifies the legitimate functions of government, namely, to promote what is good and to punish evil-doers (Rom 13:1-7, 1 Pet 2:13-17).

Moreover, God cares enough about our leaders to instruct us to pray for them (1 Tim 2:1-4). It makes sense for us to also prayerfully engage in electing them and petitioning for or against certain legislative proposals.

The goal of elections is not to choose flawless candidates since no one can meet that qualification. Instead, it is wise to evaluate candidates for office, not in terms of the lesser of two evils, but in terms of who is most likely to lessen evil.

One way we can be the “salt and light of the world” (Matt 5:13-16) is by voting for the best candidates possible on the ballot. We can maintain the centrality of our Christian calling and at the same time promote and protect what is good by being faithful citizens.

Christians can have a good testimony even as we work for the promotion of just laws, such as the protection of preborn human beings. We should not just occupy space until Jesus comes (Luke 19:13) but be busy doing what God has commanded or decreed us to do (John 6:38; Matt 6:10).

We should be known for our good works (Matt 5:16, Titus 2:14, 3:1, 8, 14). Electing good candidates to office is one relatively easy way we can make a difference for good in our world.

We have that opportunity once again, as the April 1st Consolidated Election draws closer.

Please pray…

-That Christians will be faithful in researching and voting for the most God-honoring candidates possible in the April 1st elections. School board candidates were e-mailed or snail-mailed our school board candidate questionnaire. Click HERE to see if your school district candidates responded.

-For greater awareness of how abortion affects not just the preborn, but the mothers and others. Pray for a greater understanding of the sanctity of life.

-Against laws to legalize assisted suicide, prostitution, and more drugs; laws that protect criminals, and onerous government regulations on home education.

-Pray for IFI Lobbyist David Curtin and other pro-family advocates as they work to influence or testify at the many different committee hearings being held this month at the Capitol.

-That the haters of God would be removed from the pedestals of power and that God-honoring officials would be elected and serve well at all levels of government.

-Pray for persecuted Christians around the world, especially those under attack in Syria, Iraq, Nigeria, North Korea and in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

-That families, churches, and our government would recommit to being guided by God and a Christian worldview.

-That people’s eyes would be able to see truth beyond their partisan viewpoint.

-That we will not be lulled to sleep, develop a sense of safety, or become idle in prayer and action because of the positive changes in Washington D.C.

-For the protection of our children from indoctrination by gender activists in our schools and from recruitment into school-based clubs that spread falsehoods about sexuality.

-For children in your family, community, and church. Pray that more will choose to follow Christ and grow in their faith; pray that they turn to God when they face challenges/trials; pray that they understand that they are all fearfully and wonderfully created by GOD.

-That pastors throughout the country will preach the truth boldly and challenge their congregations to fight for life, virtuous living, healthy relationships, and biblical marriage.

-That elected officials would recognize that the only source of just law is the Creator, not men (not judges, legislators, or executives), and therefore bow to Him.

-By name for the state and federal officials that represent you and your family.

-That more citizens become active and engaged in the political process and elections. Pray that they understand what “we the people” means.

-That Americans would once again understand and practice what it means to be a “moral and religious people.”

-For D.J. Daniel, the 13-year-old young man recognized by President Trump in his recent address to Congress. Pray that God would completely heal D.J. from the brain cancer he has fought for six years now.