Recently, Doctor Jim Garlow, former pastor and now president of Well-Versed, challenged people who have referred to him as being political. He countered with a strong message that he is not political; he is biblical. He made the point that pastors and churches weigh in strongly on matters related to family and the church, but somehow think it’s wrong to speak truth into the area of civil government. He noted that challenging elected officials to govern according to biblical principles is good for everyone and Christians should be speaking up.

Doctor Garlow is right. Interacting with elected officials and caring about who gets elected is actually part of fulfilling what Jesus said was part of the greatest commandment—loving God with all our heart, soul, and mind—and loving our neighbor. Good government that reflects God’s character and His principles is good for everyone, even if they don’t know it or appreciate it.