The Law of God and Public Policy: First Things (12)

Some of us must become involved in the arena of public policy.

But Moses said to the LORD, “Oh my Lord, I am not eloquent, either in the past or since you have spoken to your servant, but I am slow of speech and tongue.” Exodus 4.10

Public policies are shaped in everyday conversations and through the published views of “we the people.” The believer shares in this responsibility for the ongoing work of public policy-making. But public policy is actually crafted and decided in the arena of politics – amid the machinery of political parties and campaigns and in the halls and chambers of government. At least some members of the Christian community will follow the Lord’s calling to serve here.

Moses was reluctant to involve himself with political power, but he was made to understand that God’s will for His people could not be accomplished without such involvement. The same is true today. Christians do not look to the State for anything other than that it should fulfill its calling as God’s servant for good. This requires, in part, that government maintain a peaceable and orderly society where righteousness can flourish, human dignity is respected, and people are free to proclaim, hear, and heed the Gospel as the Lord leads (1 Tim. 2.1-8).

That governments frequently stray from such a framework of goodness will surprise no one. It certainly did not surprise Moses. Christians must be prepared to enter the arena of politics and government, as the Lord leads and calls, in order to work for policies consistent with divine goodness. Moses did not feel qualified for such work; God provides the qualifications His people needs when He calls them to any task.

Involvement in the political arena begins with prayer and is sustained by prayer, for all participants in the process (1 Tim. 2.1-8; cf. 1 Sam. 12.23). We shall have more to say about this. Beyond prayer, however, believers should not scorn opportunities to serve in voluntary ways for those candidates and parties whose platforms reflect or are agreeable to Biblical teaching. Further, some believers will hear a call to stand for public office or to serve on the staff of a public official, and they must look to the Lord and one another for help in taking up such responsibilities. Still other believers will be led to opportunities than can affect the decisions of political leaders through indirect involvement in the political arena – in the media, for example, or with think-tanks, lobbying groups, and the like.

For the Law of God to impact public policy we must have believers who are willing to serve in all these areas. Thus we will have people, like Moses, on the ground in the presence of public policy decision-makers, exemplifying and explaining the wisdom and understanding of God’s Law.

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