A Christian Response To Unjust Government Action

Discerning the way of Jesus while navigating the way of the world

A friend sent me an image and said, “idk if you’d want to speak about this, but my gosh, this is terrible to see.”

At first, when I saw the image, I thought it was some funny meme or parody of a Transformers movie set in India. Then, when I looked closely, I saw that the source of the image was DHS (Homeland Security). At the time of this writing, it is September 11th. I remember exactly where I was when I saw the second plane crash into the tower. I was sitting in my science class with the black-topped tables and four wooden legs, a sophomore in high school, watching horror unfold in real life on the TV that was hanging in the corner of the room. I cannot begin to describe the kind of evil that was exposed to us in America at that moment. A kind of evil that had been active in other parts of the world that we had been insulated from, but that now became a reality.

With that moment came insecurity, anxiety, and, sadly, severe errors in how Asians and those from the Middle East who were loyal citizens of America were treated. I know this personally because I am of Indian descent. I heard the statements behind my back or to my face about how my family were probably terrorists. I remember when my dad, who had had a beard since the day I think I was born, shaved it all off just a few weeks after 9/11 simply because of the stigma that came with long hair and beards for brown-skinned men. These are all realities that I can’t hide from or ignore, because I lived it.

All these years later, with all the progress that has been made and the healing that has taken place, to see that image on this day broke my heart.¹ Arguably, there are a lot of “what abouts” when it comes to this image. What if the image was referring to a specific person, not an entire people group? What if it is based on a true story? All of these questions are fair and should be discussed. I’m not qualified to discuss the political data and aspects of this. Regardless of the “what if,” we are still left with the “impact” of the image and how it has been received by many, including myself.

An image and marketing strategy that is frankly unhelpful and creates division, not unity. For me, I care deeply about the theological implications of the moment.

For those of you who have followed along with me, you know that I care deeply about theology. I want to understand the Scriptures on their terms, not my own. I also want to work hard to understand how the Scriptures, and Jesus Himself, call us to live as a witness in a world that is still under the oppressive power of dark forces that hate humanity and would love nothing better than to see us destroy ourselves.

Friends, this is one of those tactics. A simple image that communicates fear, hatred, and animosity, and sparks the flame of the spirit of the age — contempt.

My concern mostly is for Christians. How do we respond in these moments? I’d love to start by speaking to the everyday follower of Jesus. Then, I have a specific encouragement, even a challenge, for my ministry leader and pastor friends who are reading along.

A Christian Response to Intolerance and Fear-Mongering

The image that you saw is the fruit of the issue, not the root. And sadly, it is just one image in a sea of images that are all being nourished by what Paul refers to in his writings as the “vices of the flesh” in Galatians 5. However, I want to turn to a section in the letter he wrote to the church in Rome that really speaks to this particular issue. The church in Rome had really been going through it. There was the presence of imperial power and pressure; it was a melting pot of cultures and worldviews; and there was a growing local church trying to follow the ways of Jesus in the midst of people telling them that they really should be hating each other. Hmm… sound familiar? This is what Paul says:

“I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people.” (Romans 16:17–18, NIV)

Notice that Paul first wants us to “watch out.” In other words, if we are not on the lookout for the way the enemy is deceiving us, we will fall into their snares. Then we are directed to whom we should look out for: those people who cause division and create obstacles that are contrary to the teachings of Jesus. What did Jesus teach us about our unity with other image bearers of God? Well, first we are reminded that there is no Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male or female — because we are one in Christ Jesus (Gal 3:28).² Now, some of you will observe that this is a statement directed toward believers, which is true. What about unbelievers? Paul says earlier in Romans:

“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” (Romans 12:18, NIV, emphasis mine)

Paul modeled this personally as he interacted respectfully with unbelievers who held to a contrary worldview and religious framework. He wouldn’t be sucked into their game plan, but rather, through the power of the Holy Spirit, would invite them into the perspective and practice of the Kingdom of Heaven.

When we are presented with rhetoric, images, and ideologies that put fear and hatred into the hearts of humanity, we need to recognize it for what it is — the doctrine of demons playing out in our world.

Some may push back and say that this is speaking about individuals. What about when it involves the governments that we are subject to? Great question, and something we need to wrestle with. We have to be careful that we don’t overreact and, as the saying goes, “throw the baby out with the bathwater,” which, for the record, is a horrible saying.

Peter gives us some very helpful insights:

“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. For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people. Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves. Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.” (1 Peter 2:13–17, NIV)

On the one hand, we are to submit to the rulers and leaders over us. This is not an accident; God is sovereign even in this part of human existence. But notice that the responsibility of these leaders is to “punish those who do wrong” and “commend those who do right.” They are responsible to do this in both the manner in which they go about it and the outcome. So, we can’t just say, “Well, they are trying to keep our roads safe,” when the manner in which they go about it actually undermines the human dignity, respect, and honor of an entire people group. This is where discernment is so important. We should acknowledge the good while also not allowing our freedom to be a means to “cover up evil.” Notice the very next thing that Peter says — show proper respect to everyone!

I wonder if this teaching stems from what happened in Acts 5:29, when Peter and the disciples were faced with a choice. Obey God or humans?

Peter and the other apostles replied: “We must obey God rather than human beings!” (Acts 5:29, NIV)

What Peter and the apostles do is rooted deeply in the Old Testament. The people of God speak truth to power and encourage rulers and leaders to exercise their authority with righteousness and justice. The Hebrew midwives defy Pharaoh’s evil decree because they feared God (Exod 1:15–21), and Daniel prays openly despite the decree against it (Dan 6:10).

So Where Do We Go From Here?

The marching orders are actually quite simple without being simplistic. Let’s just do what Paul says to the church in Galatia.

“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.” (Galatians 5:13–15, NIV)

P.S. — I’m convinced a big part of the failure and challenge we have in this area is because of the lost, neglected, or even rejected biblical virtue of humility. This Substack is called “Humble Theology” for a reason. To learn more about the power and peace that come through humility, check out The Hidden Peace.

A Special Thought For Pastors and Ministry Leaders:

I don’t actively pastor a local church. I am a member of a local church and serve on the teaching and preaching team. I have my friends who pastor local churches. I am regularly in conversations with pastors and ministry leaders as they process how to engage theologically and pastorally when it comes to politics. I can’t imagine the pressure you are under. So, let me start by saying I’m praying for you. Seriously, in the morning as I sit on my front porch and work through the Scriptures - I have a time of dedicated prayer and you all are on that list. Prayer for wisdom and discernment in such confusing days.

A question for you to consider. Even if you don’t talk about politics, how would you teach and work through the Gospel implications and the ethics of the Kingdom of God? Maybe this post can help you as you process this. If you do talk about politics regularly, my hope is that you would maintain consistency not to a political party, but based on our shared allegiance to the Kingdom of Heaven. As such, we can speak with confidence against evil and proudly proclaim what is true, righteous and just. Thank you for serving the Kingdom of God and praying for wisdom in such trying and difficult days.

1. The actual image was posted before 9/11 on the DHS official X social media platform. It has since been deleted.

2. This is not to say that ethnic distinctions or contexts are obliterated. It is not to deny the reality of the male and female gender. It is placed in comparison to the oneness we have in Christ. These things should not divide us because they are all subsumed under the headship of King Jesus.