Why can't we pray for a strong government?

A reponse to pray for a strong government

http://www.theonlinecitizen.com/2015/09/a-reponse-to-pray-for-a-strong-government/

Senior Pastor Lawrence Khong of FCBC has urged his fellow church members to pray for those in governmental authority as the Bible commands 1 Timothy 2:1-2 (NKJV). As a fellow Christian myself, I can’t agree more to the word and guidance of the Bible.

In his note he mentioned “There is no need to use your vote to play ‘checks and balances’ as this is not how we shop. You don’t use a portion of your hard-earned income to pay for something that keeps ‘in check’ what you really want, do you?”

It is puzzling as of why did Pastor Khong choose to use the word “play”, isn’t external ‘checks and balances’ a must in every organisation? Had we not witnessed how accounting problems surfaced from Governments to religious to charitable organisations due to lack of rigorous external checks and balances?

“You don’t use a portion of your hard-earned income”, opposition MPs get the same pay are ruling party MP, how does it cost taxpayers more money for checks and balances?

If the ruling party did not lose Aljunied GRC in the last election, would we have gotten to know that million dollar town council software was sold to a $2 company owned by the People’s Action Party (PAP) with the agreement signed under terms that will compromise the interests of the public? Will the housing minister admit that the housing prices are too high after a great loss of his the vote share despite claiming that they are affordable before the last election?

“It is one thing to have candidates in political parties holding fringe views on morality. It is another when a party inscribes in its manifesto, moral values that are detrimental to the social health of the nation and contrary to God’s moral standard.” writes Lawrence Khong

While it is perfectly fine for a religious leader to champion, without imposing, for the rights and the standpoint of the segment of society that he represents. Just like a Hindu leader will champion for the rights to play religious music in Thaipusam. But if Pastor Khong have read through all the manifestos of each party he will have known that none of the party has any fringe views on morality inscribed in their manifestos.

As the saying goes “action speaks louder than words”, the only way for the electorate to access the morals standing of the party is to review what had the leaders of the parties had done while they are in office. For those who were never elected, there are practically no way to judge on what they had done in office.

Since abortion and adultery are currently legal, I will like ask Pastor Khong on his opinion of the ruling party’s moral standpoint on areas like abortion, adultery, prostitution and gambling, are they considered moral or immoral?

Believe in the power of Prayer

Remember that stubborn widow-a character Jesus used to illustrate our stubborn devotion and trust to God. A dogged determination to appeal to our Father will be rewarded. Jesus knows us better than anyone, and His prescription is more prayer. Don't lose heart! Don't quit praying! 

Now He was telling them a parable to show that at all times they ought to pray and not to lose heart, saying, "In a certain city there was a judge who did not fear God and did not respect man. "There was a widow in that city, and she kept coming to him, saying, 'Give me legal protection from my opponent.'"For a while he was unwilling; but afterward he said to himself, 'Even though I do not fear God nor respect man, yet because this widow bothers me, I will give her legal protection, otherwise by continually coming she will wear me out.'" And the Lord said, "Hear what the unrighteous judge said; now, will not God bring about justice for His elect who cry to Him day and night, and will He delay long over them? "I tell you that He will bring about justice for them quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?" (Luke 18:1-9)