Walking with the Wise #451: The Company We Keep

“My son, fear the LORD and the king,


and do not join with those who do otherwise,

for disaster will arise suddenly from them,

and who knows the ruin that will come from them both?”
—Proverbs 24:21-22

Being a follower of Christ is not just a spiritual affair—but total surrender of life to the Word of God. It means that not just our spirits, but our politics, relationships, business pursuits, recreational choices, words and entire worldview are placed under the reign of Jesus Christ. We are called to be lights in the dark places, and the totality of our lives should reflect that truth—whether it is with our spouse, children, employer, friends, enemies, unbelievers, or government.

God knew that we would be citizens in the world and that we would have to live under different forms of government. Nevertheless, He also knew that we need instruction on how to live in it, which is what today’s passage is about. We are to “fear the LORD and the king.” We know that we are to fear the LORD, but the king? It is not just the king, but what the king represents that God has in mind for us. While Solomon would have written this (and he was the king), he wants us to understand that we are not only to fear God first and foremost (who is the ultimate ruler), but that we should also fear the king—who, as a governmental authority, is appointed by God to dispense justice, righteousness, and fairness (Romans 13:1-7).

God instructs us on how we are to relate to government. As Christians, we do not advocate one particular form of government, such as a theocracy, or for one political party or another, but for whatever form, system, or party helps restrain evil and promote what is good. Our first and primary allegiance should always be to Jesus Christ. While government is good and necessary, it is not perfect, nor can it change the condition of the human heart—only Jesus can do that.

Our concern (and today’s proverb) centers around those with whom we keep company. We must be careful not to associate with those who promote rebellion, because they will be found out and judgment will be dispensed accordingly—either by God Himself or the earthly authorities He has appointed. Associating with them places our families and us in harm’s way. Instead, we are to be peaceable citizens who uncompromisingly stand for what is true, who support the government, all the while praying for those in leadership over us (whether we agree with their political platform or not), so that God may work in and through them.

Organizing rebellion means trouble—violence, loss, maybe even death, not to mention the maligning of the name of Christ. Furthermore, confusion sometimes results for those who come to see God and government united and who cannot see nor understand the purpose of Christ’s coming—because it has been united with the attempt to legislate the human heart—something government was never meant to do.

Our goal is to use our lives to point to Jesus—speaking up in favor of justice, truth, and peace. Promoting good, stemming evil, and supporting the government in the arenas where it is to have authority is our responsibility as Christian citizens. (We are not to submit to, nor are we to support, any government that promulgates sin and injustice and which uses its authority to circumvent the power of God.)

Do you support the government? Do you pray for your leaders? Are you acting as a good Christian citizen? Stand for what is true, stand against what is false, submit to the authorities God has appointed, and let your light shine so that God may receive glory, the lost may be won, and you will have peace. Amen.