First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 1 Timothy 2.1-4

The great mistake Christians have made over the previous generation, when it comes to matters of public policy, has been in thinking that public policy is, in the first instance, a political matter.

We have believed, that is, that the primary way to achieve a good society is through political activism. We have augured for policies more in line with our worldview, and for politicians who will support our views and forge policies and enact laws accordingly. While there has been some progress in stalling the juggernaut of pragmatism and relativism, these are but fingers in the dike. Proponents of a progressivist worldview have become established in all the halls of government in our society, and in each of the major political parties, and they show no sign of backing away from their agenda. And they are much more adept in making public policy, and less bound by scruples of unchanging moral conviction.

The way to a good society is not, in the first instance, through politics and public policy. Public policy is important, or else the Law and Word of God would not have so much to say about it.

But public policy is not first of all a matter of politics. Like everything else in life, the making of public policy is first and foremost a spiritual issue. This is so because it is happening “under the heavens,” that is, in a world created, owned, and upheld by the Word of God, a world He has reconciled to His Father, and in which He is advancing His Kingdom for the purpose of making all things new (2 Cor. 5:17-21; Rev. 21:5).

God is sovereign in the affairs of men and nations. He rules and overrules all deliberations, acts, and policies according to His own good purposes and in His own way and time. And He is more favorable, in the long run and the short, to those who rest their hope in Him and trust His Word and ways in every aspect of life.

We will make the greatest headway in affecting the public policies of our nation, and in achieving a truly good society, when we ground and pursue our work in the public-policy arena first of all in prayer. Paul says it is not by politics that we may hope to achieve a just and good society; this can only be achieved when men everywhere lift up holy hands of prayer to the Lord (1 Tim. 2.8).

T. M. Moore

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