Government / Law / Nation-Security

In Old Testament times, military and nation security was an important aspect of individuals, tribes, and cultures. For example, Joshua defeated the Amalekites (Exodus 17), Moses sent out leaders from each tribe to spy out the land of Canaan (Numbers 13), Gideon freed Israel from the Midianites (Judges 6-8), and David bravely confronted the Philistine champion Goliath (1 Samuel 17). Just as in OT times, the need to have men and women of God involved in military and nations security is essential to Kingdom Building.

Current literature suggested that the 9/11 attacks ignited a change in policing from a Community Oriented Policing era to a Homeland Security era, with a focus on terrorism and counterterrorism. According to the Defense Manpower Data Center, between October 7, 2001 and July 3, 2010, 44,200 soldiers have been killed or wounded in action during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. According to the National Law Enforcement Memorial Fund, one law enforcement officer is killed in the line of duty somewhere in the United States every 53 hours on average and since 1792, nearly 19,000 U.S. law enforcement officers have died in the line of duty. Men and women employed in the military and nations security domain are entrusted to protect this country with his or her physical abilities, but it is even more important that they protect our homeland spiritually.

In order to be living examples in an occupational environment that oftentimes prohibits spiritual socialization, prayer is essential! Prayer is the foundational component of strength, courage, perseverance, and protection for those who serve the public through this domain. The primary way of expanding discipleship in this domain will take place through an “each one, reach one” concept, which encourages each military and nations security disciple to engage in assertive efforts to identify and support at least one other believer within the organizational confines of this domain.

In a recent Gallup poll, members of Congress are ranked among the least respected professions in America with roughly half of people saying that the morals and ethics of these two groups are low or very low. It is no wonder this is the case when we are constantly hearing about elected officials on trial for taking a bribe or caught having affairs. It doesn’t shock us anymore. It’s become a cliché.

Government leaders who lack morals are not unique to modern times. The Bible is full of the stories of flawed and sinful kings, judges and prophets. But the Bible is equally clear about the need to raise up godly men and women in politics and government. Proverbs 28:2 states “When there is moral rot within a nation, its government topples easily. But wise and knowledgeable leaders bring stability.”

How do we get wise and knowledgeable leaders in government? We start by building a culture of discipleship and mentoring within the ranks of governmental leaders and require that these leaders live their lives in a way that glorifies God first. Imagine if we had a whole network of politicians and government leaders who got on their knees before God with every vote or decision they had to make. Imagine if they were willing to make unpopular decisions based on biblical principles even if it meant electoral consequences.

Daniel was bold in following the principles of God over man’s and this resulted in growing influence. He never worried about the consequences of his decisions because he knew they were a result of following God’s guidance. He was willing to literally be put into a den of lions rather than compromise his beliefs!

We must deliberately disciple governmental leaders in God’s ways. The result: a restored respect and public trust, and a more stable society.