_1TI 2:1 I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone-- 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. (1 Tim 2:1-4)
We are fortunate to be living in Singapore, which is probably among the best governed in the world. It is also among the safest and cleanest in the world, where we enjoy peace and near full-employment.
Whether we care to admit it or not, credit must be given to the capable and efficient government that we have been blessed with. Very often, it is also a blessing that we Singaporeans have taken for granted. Good governments do not come easy, and as Christians, I think it is time that we heed God's call to pray and intercede for those in authority. God-fearing leaders who govern well and allow us to live quiet, peaceful lives in godliness and holiness please the heart of God. And that can only be sustained by the perservering intercession of the saints.
Deuteronomy 17:16-17 also gave indications of what may cause those in authority to deviate from the ways of God:
16 The king, moreover, must not acquire great numbers of horses for himself or make the people return to Egypt to get more of them, for the LORD has told you, "You are not to go back that way again." 17 He must not take many wives, or his heart will be led astray. He must not accumulate large amounts of silver and gold.
"Returning to Egypt to get more..." strikes me hard. It is about coveting the wealth of the pagan world...wanting to emulate their ways so that more riches may be obtained.
Are there public policies & discussions in recent years that fall into that category? What do we think about opening our shores to integrated "resorts" and liberalising our values to embrace or legalise homosexuality as mainstream culture?
It is easy to grumble and gripe about policies that run contrary to our Christian values and yet do nothing constructive. Neither is it right to take up arms to go against the authorities, for that is hardly the way of God. Consider Titus 3:1:
TIT 3:1 Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good.
Perhaps it is time to instead do what is good: that is to faithfully pray for our political leaders, that God will give them wisdom to choose the right path for the nation...instead of following the ways of the world. Intercede for our nation, that Singapore will continue to have God-fearing leaders who will bring forth the blessings of God upon our nation always.
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It is easy to grumble and gripe about policies that run contrary to our Christian values and yet do nothing constructive. Neither is it right to take up arms to go against the authorities, for that is hardly the way of God. Consider Titus 3:1:
TIT 3:1 Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good.
Perhaps it is time to instead do what is good: that is to faithfully pray for our political leaders, that God will give them wisdom to choose the right path for the nation...instead of following the ways of the world. Intercede for our nation, that Singapore will continue to have God-fearing leaders who will bring forth the blessings of God upon our nation always.
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