Christians and Public Service (5)

“How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?” Genesis 39.9

Daniel answered in the presence of the king, and said, “The secret which the king has demanded, the wise men, the astrologers, the magicians, and the soothsayers cannot declare to the king. But there is a God in heaven who reveals secrets, and He has made known to King Nebuchadnezzar what will be in the latter days.” Daniel 2.27, 28

Our primary citizenship
The Christian who takes up a calling in public service must never lose sight of the fact that he or she is, first of all, a citizen of the Kingdom of God.

Seeking the Kingdom of God and His righteousness is always the first order of business every day, for every follower of Jesus Christ, in every relationship, role, or responsibility (Matt. 6.33). This does not mean that we all must be preachers, or that every conversation must somehow be turned into an opportunity for bearing witness to Jesus Christ. Jesus commanded us first to “be” His witnesses (Acts 1.8), which we will do if we pursue excellence without complaining or compromise in everything we are tasked to do, in whatever our role or position might be.

Moreover, if we work hard to make our conversations with others edifying, gracious, and characterized by civility and respect, we will soon enough find that opportunities for talking about the Lord Who has called us to this way of life will begin to present (1 Pet. 3.15).

Making the most of the opportunities
We want to be ready with a word of truth whenever a door of opportunity starts to crack open. Such opportunities may come to us in one of two ways, either with respect to our work, or as a response to our lifestyle and demeanor.

People will notice excellence in the workplace. Most will appreciate a co-worker who is eager, diligent, efficient, uncomplaining, and willing to do more than is expected.

At the same time, people will notice as we treat them with respect and civility. By learning and using people’s names, keeping our conversation and demeanor above reproach, showing ourselves to be helpful, encouraging, and affirming toward others, we can expect to raise the curiosity on the part of some of our colleagues as to what it is that makes us different.

Whenever such opportunities arise, we must be ready with a word of truth.

A word of truth: Joseph and Daniel
Again, such a word of truth may be of one of two kinds: either a suggestion directly related to our work, or a witness concerning the hope that is within us. We see each of these in Joseph and Daniel.

Joseph’s first opportunity to speak a word of witness arose when he was invited to participate in sinful behavior. Joseph made it clear, when the invitation to sin was proffered – over and over again – that he would not compromise his convictions.

Daniel’s first word of witness came during a moment of crisis. A frustrated and angry king had determined to do away with all his counselors, including Daniel, since they seemed unable to give him sound advice.

But Daniel stepped forward, as an act of faith, to offer a solution, even though he had no idea what that solution might be. Only as he sought the Lord in prayer did the Lord’s word for him become clear. Then he was able to share confidently with King Nebuchadnezzar what the Lord had made known to him.

Two observations
Now let’s note two things about these first opportunities to bear witness.

First, neither Joseph nor Daniel was actively seeking such opportunities. They were not planting tracts on the desks of their co-laborers. They did not display a copy of Scripture in some conspicuous place, or decorate their chariots with “Yahweh is My Way!” bumper stickers. “Praise the Lord!” was not the punctuation mark at the end of their every sentence. And they did not feel the need to preach to or pass judgment on those with whom they were called to work.

They merely lived and worked with excellence in all they did. The Lord was able to take it from there.

Note also that their introducing a word of truth into the situation was specifically related to the situation itself. They intended to show the relevance of their faith to the moment or need at hand, the common concern of everyone involved. They did not simply launch into a testimony or Gospel harangue; rather, they kept focus on the situation at hand and the people involved, and brought their faith to light accordingly.\

And when it comes to injecting a word of truth into the public square, this is especially sound wisdom.

For reflection
1.      What do we mean by saying that our witness for the Lord might relate either to contemporary issues or personal situations? Can you give some examples?

2.      Re-read the last section in this essay (under the heading, A word of truth). Do you agree with the observations here? How do these words counsel you concerning your own witness for the Lord?

3.      What can keep Christians, in any area of endeavor, from being ready with a word of truth to speak when a door of opportunity opens? How can we better prepare for these opportunities?

Next steps: Do you know any Christians who are active in public service? Contact each of them, and let them know you’re going through this study. Ask if they would like you send them a copy.

T. M. Moore

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This week’s study, Christians and Public Service, is part 4 of a 5-part series on The King’s Heart, a Biblical view of government and politics, and is available as a free download by clicking here. We cannot understand God’s view of government, or how to function in a political environment apart from faith in King Jesus and His rule. Order T. M.’s books The Kingship of Jesus  and The Ground for Christian Ethics to supplement our studies of God and government.

Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.