Is fixing the roads a Gospel issue? Sort of.
We drove down into a pothole and back up out the other side somewhere in rural Tanzania.
That’s when I realized Michigan roads weren’t quite as bad as people claimed.
The state of the roads seems to be an evergreen accusation against politicians whenever needed. “They already raised our taxes last time–when are they going to actually fix the roads!?”
The complaint touches on a simple principle that should fuel a profound prayer.
The simple principle: leadership and governance impact daily life.
When a man leads his home poorly, it starts to fall apart. When citizens and governments are lazy in their duties–the parks overgrow, and the potholes accumulate.
9 One who is slack in his work
is brother to one who destroys.
Proverbs 18:9
This principle fuels a profound prayer: good governance makes for smooth driving. Therefore, we should pray for leaders and governing authorities.
This very practical prayer is a biblical prayer.
2 I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a ransom for all people.
1 Timothy 2:1–6
There are many places we might be driving, and the quality of our roads impacts all of them.
We could be driving to worship on Sunday. Or driving to visit someone in the hospital. Or sharing a meal with family. Or driving to meet an unbeliever for coffee in hopes of seeing them follow Christ.
God is pleased that we live godly and holy lives, and He desires that all people come to knowledge of the truth. And our roads play a big part in both of these!
We should pray for our leaders and governing authorities because leadership and governing require skill and wisdom. Bad leadership brings big consequences. Good leadership is a conduit of God’s blessings.
Think about this– The places and people in the world where it is hardest to share the Gospel generally have something to do with their government.
Either the government is hostile to the Gospel, and people must share with great risk–Think of a place like Yemen or North Korea.
Or there is a breakdown, absence, or corruption of government that makes living and witnessing very hard–Think of places high in remote mountains or dense jungles or the chaos of Haiti or Syria right now.
Both a hostile government and a broken infrastructure are enemies of the Gospel’s advance.
Is fixing the roads a Gospel issue? Sort of. Christians should not claim the Scripture tells us exactly how to fund and maintain a city or state.
However, we probably need to pray more for means of God’s grace, that is, wise leadership and good governance, so that the Gospel may go forth and God’s people can live in peace!