Young Adults' Group

Appreciating Our Country

by Pastor Mark
August 07, 2020

Celebrating our 55^th National Day

This Sunday, we will be celebrating Singapore’s 55^th National Day. It will be a National Day unlike any other previous celebrations due to the COVID-19 pandemic that continues to affect our country and the world.

Even as we commemorate our day of independence, we do not want in any way to take for granted how greatly blessed we have been as a nation these last 55 years. Let us truly appreciate what we have been divinely given as a country.

Appreciating the government that God has appointed 

The Apostle Paul provided a biblical understanding and appreciation as to how we should see our government.

1. They are authorities that are appointed by God

“For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.” (Rom 13:1)

Paul reasoned that governments obtained their authority from God. It is something that God has determined and instituted. He is the source of the government’s authority. This was Paul’s understanding even though he was under Roman authorities who were ruling with an iron fist. He still regarded them as appointed by God. Let us with greater understanding truly appreciate the good government that God has appointed for us in Singapore.

2. They are God’s ministers

“For he is God’s minister to you for good.” (Rom 13:4)

A deeper perspective is to see our government as God’s ministers. The word “minister” in Greek is “diakanos”, which means “lowly servant”. This should be the mindset of every servant. It is also the function of the government. They are God’s servants who function for our good and deal with those who are evil. Through this COVID-19 crisis, we thank God for each one in government who is God’s minister. Let us truly appreciate them who have worked hard to serve us to ensure the safety, support and continuity of our people and nation.

Our appropriate response

What are some appropriate responses that we must undertake?

1. Every soul is to be subject to the government (Rom 13:1)

Our subjection is not only to man’s authority but to the authority of God.

2. Giving thanks to God for our government and our nation (1 Tim 2:1)

Through good “ministers” and a united people, we have been wonderfully blessed as a nation over these 55 years. There were those who doubted whether we could make it, but we did. We have every reason to feel blessed as a nation and as a people.

3. Praying for our leaders and country (1 Tim 2:1)

Let us continue to pray for our leaders that they would have the wisdom and strength to guide us through this time of crisis and that as a nation, we would have not only peace in the land but also peace of heart and mind that only the Lord can give. Let us celebrate this Sunday with greater depth and understanding, giving thanks for all that God has blessed us with.

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