I wish we had more government in our nation.

Anyone who knows that, politically, I’ve always been more of a traditional “That government is best which governs least” American, might be surprised that I would say that. But I’m not talking about forms, laws, or structures, or even about political philosophies.

I’m talking about government in its most basic sense: the actual, active, and proper regulating and influencing that is governing. Because there hasn’t been enough of that lately, and our nation is suffering for it — and lots of individuals, too.

People on the left, right, and in the middle might well object and say, “Wait, but what about those people who are abusing the power of government, when they have it, to do all sorts of things that shouldn’t be done? Don’t we need less of all that?”

Yes, absolutely. But that’s not actual governing in the proper sense. It’s not what elected, appointed, or hired officials were put in place to do. It is exercising authority both to abuse power or to decline to use power for the purpose it was given, but neither of those is punishing wrong and rewarding right, nor is it protecting all of the people or society you have been made responsible for. (See Romans 13:1-7 & 1 Peter 2:13,14 for the duties of those who rule.)

A president, of whatever party, who weaponizes law enforcement to punish his or her enemies while ignoring the crimes of his family and friends, is not governing. A president who ignores or refuses to carry out the laws or commitments of the nation because they are inconvenient or because he or she just disagrees with them is not governing.

In the same way, a governor or mayor who uses her position to advance his or her political priorities or career but neglects basic responsibilities like public order, the safety of all citizens, economic health, and services like transportation or sanitation is not governing. Nor is a senator or representative who views his or her position as a platform for posturing or punditry instead of setting policies, making laws, and exercising oversight.

What I long for is that the people, of whatever party or position, whom we have placed in government — or, as Christians believe, whom God has placed there — would actually and properly govern with the authority and resources they have been given. Because so much of the trouble we’re seeing today, in many places and at every level, would be eliminated (or at least improved) if the people empowered to act would do the things they’re supposed to do — like maintaining law and order or keeping the peace. And not do the things they’re not supposed to do — like rewarding lawlessness and disorder or inflaming passions.

But this state of things shouldn’t be surprising, because the people in government are products of the same society as the rest of us. And our current culture places its priorities on license and self-satisfaction. We are no longer taught or encouraged to govern ourselves but to pursue every desire, indulge every urge, discount maturity, and put our passions before our responsibilities. To be clear, this is not Christian — but the voice of Christians speaking counter to this aspect of our culture is too seldom heard, even in our churches.

Sure, some believers complain about the most egregious offenses and lawlessness — typically, the things that would have shocked our grandmothers — but little is said about the “little things” that just as much reflect ungoverned hearts and lives. Because it too often hits too close to home — the sinful flesh, which Christians still have, enjoys having the cultural freedom to not keep one’s tongue in check, to indulge one’s lusts for sex or romance (just keep it private), to “follow your heart” when it leads you away from one’s spouse or family, to covet shiny things (or attractive people), to get even with or cancel those who give offense, or to engage in politics with only one’s own advantage in mind.

That’s not following Jesus. That’s not living by the Spirit. Here’s what the Apostle Paul wants Christians to remember about what it means that we have been saved by grace — saved not to sin, but from sin; not to indulge our desires, but to sanctify them:

¹¹For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all people. ¹²It trains us to reject ungodliness and worldly lusts and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in this present age, ¹³while we wait for the blessed hope, that is, the glorious appearance of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. ¹⁴He gave himself for us, to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people who are his own chosen people, eager to do good works. 

And to Titus, the young pastor, Paul added:

¹⁵Keep telling people these things. Continue to encourage and rebuke with full authority. Let no one ignore you. (Titus 2:11–15 (EHV))

So, because of the grace they have been given (through no merit of their own), Christians not only govern themselves but also teach and preach this godly self-control. 

The message of self-government is not just a private one. It should be heard in pulpits and Bible studies, and especially around kitchen tables and children’s bedsides. 

And perhaps, if more self-governed Christians come to serve their neighbors in the state, we can also have better government for our cities, states, and nation. That sounds like something believers of every political stripe can pray, aim, and work for.

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