Guidance for current events

I have not read through all the questions so I'm not sure if this question has been posed yet. My husband and I are struggling with how to respond to all of the things going on in the world right now. Covid and Protests and so on. He thinks it is all political, and what they are telling us is a lot of lies. He feels we need to stand up for what God would want and not just listen to what the government tells us to do. I know I am supposed to listen to authority. I am so confused and need some guidance on all of this. Can you offer any answers.

I don’t know if I can provide any answers, but I will offer some perspective. The Bible tells us that we are living in the last days (Hebrews 1:2). The Bible’s description of the last days is not pretty: “But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God—having a form of godliness but denying its power” (2 Timothy 3:1-5). There is no limit to who might possess those attributes: those who are governed and those who are in positions of governmental authority. Because of the sinful nature in all people, the potential for abusing governmental authority and unlawfully resisting governmental authority is always present.

Might some people in positions of governmental authority abuse their power? Certainly. History provides plenty of examples of that kind of behavior. Yet, the Bible gives this instruction: “Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right…honor the emperor” (1 Peter 2:13-14, 17). Interestingly enough, the emperor when Peter wrote those words was Nero. He has name recognition with the persecution of Christians. By no means did Nero deserve respect or honor because of his sinful actions. On the other hand, Nero occupied a position of honor. He was in that position because of God’s allowance (Romans 13:1-7).

Today there might also be individuals in governmental positions whose personal behavior does not generate respect. Still, they fill positions of honor, and we are to render obedience unless their directives conflict with God’s (Acts 5:29).

The combination of unfaithful governmental authorities and disobedient citizens can produce chaos in life. As Christians, our comfort is that “Our God is in heaven; he does whatever pleases him” (Psalm 115:3). God will carry out his will in spite of powerful or weak people who oppose him (Psalm 2:1-4). As Christians, our comfort is that God is working in history for the good of his Church (Romans 8:28).

So, where does this leave us? As Christians, we recognize that God’s Fourth Commandment requires our obedience toward his representatives in the government—as well as in the home and the church. We acknowledge that God’s representatives are imperfect, as are the people they serve. We see the need for praying for governmental authorities at all levels. We realize that we can voice our concerns to governmental authorities, seeking change in laws and policies.

The Bible reminds you and me: “For here we do not have an enduring city, but we are looking for the city that is to come” (Hebrews 13:14). With all that has happened so far this year, I think we would agree that it is a good thing this world is not our permanent residence. We look forward to a perfect and glorious eternity with our Savior-God. For that reason, Christians throughout the ages have said, “Amen. Come, Lord Jesus” (Revelation 22:20).