The Law of God and Public Policy

The Church must persuade the world of the wisdom of God.

“The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet, until tribute comes to him; and to him shall be the obedience of the peoples.” Genesis 49.10

The only power by which the Church may seek to bring the benefits of God’s Law to its unbelieving neighbors and their governments is the power of persuasion. The challenge to each generation of believers is to discern the best ways of persuading their contemporaries in the direction of obedience and blessing. These will not be the same in every age or culture or political environment.

We are not alone in this effort: The Word and Spirit of God are lively and powerful to bring the benefits of God even to those who despise Him (Jn. 6.63; Heb. 4.12; Matt. 5.43-48). The power of persuasion is not simply a matter of convincing others by arguments. Much less is it merely a political activity. Persuasion is accomplished when, by a combination of compelling reasons and examples, policies may be prescribed, the wisdom and understanding of which are readily apparent to those who must enact them.

As the focal point and epicenter of God’s Kingdom, it is the Church’s duty to persuade its generation to seek the wisdom and understanding of God’s Law, and, beyond these, to seek the King of that Law for salvation.

T. M. Moore

 Visit our website, www.ailbe.org, and sign up to receive our thrice-weekly devotional, Crosfigell, featuring writers from the period of the Celtic Revival and T. M.’s reflections on Scripture and the Celtic Christian tradition. Does the Law of God still apply today? Order a copy of T. M.’s book, The Ground for Christian Ethics, and study the question for The Power of Persuasion.