The following blog post is by Family Council staff member Luke McCoy.

Proverbs 29:2 (NASB) reads, “When the righteous increase, the people rejoice, but when a wicked man rules, people groan.”

If a world were described in which controversial, political topics that had religious basis were no longer a threat to people of faith, would you consider that a work of God’s people or Jesus’ second coming? For many centuries we have seen that when good people do nothing, evil prevails. It could also be said that when good men do nothing, very little good—if any—gets done.

So, why do so many Christians excuse themselves from influencing their local, state, and federal government?

The situation in our country is this: state legislatures convene to pass thousands of laws, and governors sign most of the legislation that arrives at their desks. Every one of those laws is based on someone’s values, but whose?

Whose values do we want to mandate how we live our lives, or for that matter, our faith? Whose values are going to mold and shape the next generation? Whose values are going to determine the evangelical and benevolent attitude of Believers? What will be the boundaries for your children and grandchildren when it comes to religious liberty and conviction? If Christians do not voice their religious values at the state house as they do in the pews, they should expect to be moaning and groaning over laws that may not reflect their values.

If Christian values do not inform our laws, then someone else’s values will; and our country will become more hostile to religious liberty. Evil, sin and sinful men need to be opposed. This can be done in prayer and petition to God, but also of man’s doing with God’s blessing.

So, what can you do? It may sound like a daunting task, but here are a few simple things you can begin with:

  • Get informed about important issues at all levels of government, and make sure to vote wisely.
  • Visit with wise and trusted friends and absorb as much of their knowledge as possible.
  • Learn which elected officials share your values and observe their public service.
  • Communicate with your representatives at all levels of government.
  • Share what you learn and encourage others to join your efforts.
  • Attend events related to the issues important to your faith.
  • Turn to organizations such as Family Council for information and resources, and support them with prayers and donations.
  • Consider running for office or volunteering for a candidate.

Someone is expressing their values and opinions in the halls of state government about how we all should live, work, even act out our faith. If not you, then who will stand up for your values? Who will stand for God’s values? Will you stand?