There are many individuals who are very skeptical about the role of government in our world. Today people are cynical about politicians helping their community to become a better place to live. In fact, some do vote for change and, others may be critical of their government leaders, but do not participate in their right to vote.
For example, many people see their government doing very little to help the poor and homeless. They observe an ineffectiveness to halt the oppression of violence. Many notice an indifference to the multiple injustices to others that occur on a regular basis in their city. Ecclesiastes 5:8 states, “If you see oppression of the poor and denial of injustice and righteousness in the province, do not be shocked at the sight; for one official watches over another official, and there are higher officials over them.” Yet, Government can be a huge bureaucracy that seems out of control, slow to connect and respond to basic human needs.
Jesus stated in the New Testament that we are to love God and our neighbors. In the Gospel of Mark He said in 12:29-31 in response to a question about the most important commandments, “The most important is Hear O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: You shall love your neighbor as yourself! There is no other commandment greater than these”. Never assume that the responsibility to care for the needs of your neighbor depends solely on the government officials. Many Christians recognize the limits of government in saving the world. The major problem is the sinful nature of mankind.
The government is ineffective to solve the root deficiencies of the heart of mankind. Jesus reminds us, “men shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matt.4:4). Men are not just physical beings, but spiritual beings. Mankind needs spiritual salvation. Which means that a person does not have to stand before God condemned but is delivered from the power and penalty of sin, through grace by faith in Christ Jesus. Salvation by grace through faith alone. Personal salvation does not depend on doing as many good deeds toward others as possible before death. Scripture admonishes believers in Jesus Christ to respect, love, honor other humans by supplying the needs of all those who are less fortunate in life. Which of course, involves sharing the good news of Christ—His physical death, burial, and resurrection for the sins of the world.
There is some personal satisfaction and joy in recognizing the inherent value of life of each other. We are to minister to the basic needs of others and the results can positively affect the violence toward others committed within society. There is no doubt that the Church in many areas of the world is engaged in helping people and working to diminish moral violence by informing them to believe in Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29). Will you glorify God by helping someone today?
George L. Arroyo