"The entire medieval and Protestant tradition is anti-Statist, and that includes, as Augustine taught us, the view that the State is the least important institution among Church, State, and Family. Yet, the great irony of the Christian Right is that though their families are often messes and their churches splintering, they think they have the wisdom to wield the sword. In search of 'real change,' they charge out to conquer the institution that is most impotent in actually bringing it about. We haven't changed much from our ancient Israelite brothers. We want a king or a sword just like everybody else. We don't understand how God has structured the world, how real change occurs. " -- Douglas Wilson, Angels in the Architecture
The households of family and faith are God's primary mechanisms for producing lasting change in this world. These are the two battlefronts where most of our efforts should be deployed. However, when the civil magistrate interferes with the family or the flock, it may be necessary to engage them in battle. But even then, the main objective is to restore them to their rightful place of protecting the ability of families and flocks to worship Jesus in peace without much interference from the civil government. Mission creep has leaked in when those who temporarily pulled troops off of the front lines in order to engage the civil government end up camping there or forgetting about their primary objectives back at home and at church.
1 Timothy 2:1-3
I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; for kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour
Simply put, we pray that our civil magistrates don't interfere with us or force us to interfere with them so that we can focus on the frontlines of family and local flocks.
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