Should a Christian join demonstrations against Government? ( Maandamano )
Should Christians Demonstrate?
Raila announced there will be massive demonstrations on Monday, 20th of March. The aim? To ask the President address the serious issues affecting Kenyans, Raila Says.
Now, should a Christian join the demonstrations? A Christian should not join demonstrations against government even if the objectives are right. The Bible forbids Christian from participating in demos.
First when I say, a Christian, I mean someone who believes that Jesus Christ is his/her Lord. He /she considers themselves as slaves of Jesus Christ and they are ready to do anything Jesus commands them.
Second, he believes the Bible to be word of God. They believe that Bible is pure, true, inerrant word of God such that when it says something, they take it and obey. In other words, the words of Bible are words from God’s mouth.
There are lots of scriptures that tell believers to obey the government authorities. Here is what God says about Government.
Romans 13:1-5 ESV
Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, for he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer. Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God’s wrath but also for the sake of conscience.
Timothy 2:1-3 ESV
First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior,
Romans 13:6 ESV
For because of this you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God, attending to this very thing.
1 Peter 2:13 ESV
Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme
When a Christian reads this verses and cannot see the sense in them, there is a problem. We should submit for Lord’s sake. Our government are not perfect. For long they neglect citizens but God still says submit.
We can only oppose government on the grounds that it is forcing believers to do something which Bible tells us not to do. Then, we should rather obey God than men.
A Christian should not join maandamano today. You can pray to God, he will hear. Going to the streets does not mean your grievances are heard.
Be safe and obey God’s word. Shalom.