Honouring civil authority: A call to action for the church

By Humphrey Mtandwa | 15h ago

As believers, we are called to live in submission and respect for the authorities God has placed over us

As believers, we are called to live in submission and respect for the authorities God has placed over us. The Bible, in Romans 13, clearly states that all authority comes from God, and those in positions of civil leadership are His ministers. From presidents to governors, these individuals carry out a God-ordained role in maintaining order and justice in society.

Unfortunately, the church often emphasises honoring spiritual leaders like pastors and prophets, while neglecting the equally important command to respect civil authorities. It is time for a shift in our posture toward government leaders. Instead of corrupting the hearts of our congregants with political opinions from the pulpit, we should model a biblical perspective that upholds the value of honouring those in authority, regardless of political stance.

The act of honouring civil leaders opens a channel of blessing from the church to the government, fostering divine favor over the nation. It also demonstrates that the church is committed to the well-being of the community and the country, not just focused on self-preservation.

How do we show this honor? It goes beyond mere words or public gestures. We honor civil leaders by praying for them, by teaching our members to respect the laws and systems of the land, and by contributing to the community in ways that reflect the love of Christ. As the church, we should not be the ones constantly seeking financial or political favors from the government. Rather, we should be the ones who lead the charge in rebuilding schools, supporting local resources, and uplifting the most vulnerable among us.

When the church stands in its rightful position of honour and service, we become a conduit of God’s blessing—not just to the church, but to the entire nation. This is how we fulfill our mandate as the body of Christ: not by demanding help from the government, but by being the help the government and the community need.

Zimbabwe is one of the most beautiful nations in Africa, blessed with great resources, leaders, and people. As the church, it is our role to begin praying for our leaders, that God would give them the wisdom to rebuild a stronger economy, a more united nation, and restore the infrastructure lost over the years. The church must also step into communities to create programmes that uplift and build our youth, our neighbourhoods, and a bright future for all.

Let us, as the church, move away from the begging basket mindset and take our God-given resources into the nation to bless and transform. God bless the beautiful nation of Zimbabwe, and may He bless you all.