With the recent happenings within and around Singapore, it is evident that the survival of a tiny nation is not without challenges and worries. The peace that we take for granted now, could well vanish in a blink of an eye if we were not careful. The regional turmoil like the economic downturn, expansion of terrorism and shifting of diplomatic ties, are factors beyond our control. These happenings, however, will affect us in depth and breath. A country’s effectiveness in diverting these external challenges lies in a government’s strategic policies; these policies will only work if the nation works as one. This is one area where we could achieve and control. Although it is getting harder to achieve in this democratic society that is moving towards individualism, it is something we could not do without.
The Bible describes the principle of “one heartedness” as encapsulated in “righteousness exalts a nation, but sin condemns any people” (Proverbs 14:34). A nation prospers only if the government and its people exalt righteousness as one, and stay away from corruption and sin. Efficient economic policies and a healthy financial budget are important. They do not, however, determine the rise and fall of a country. For this, as a Christian, we should pray for our government and those in leadership. “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people-for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness” (1 Timothy 2:1-2). The apostle Paul encourages Timothy, including us, to pray for honest and moral governance.
Similarly, Isaiah 3:1-8 teaches us that when the nation of Israel sins, God will not provide them with good leaders to lead: “See now, the Lord, the Lord Almighty, is about to take from Jerusalem and Judah both supply and support . . . the hero and the warrior, the judge and the prophet, the divine and the elder . . . God says: I will make mere youths their officials; children to rule over them . . . Jerusalem staggers, Judah is falling; their word and deeds are against the Lord, defying his glorious presence.” This is undeniably God’s way of punishing Israel. Thus, when we pray for the nation, we not only pray for our government, but also for its people and the whole society. We pray that this country exalts righteousness, and fill it with compassion, and that it pays attention to morality and is trustworthy. Besides this, we as Christians should live out our lives as an example. Be the light and salt for God; uphold righteousness and truly love and care for this society. The world leans on sin and corruption. If the church and Christians did not act as “salt” to stop it, who will? When someone in Singapore suggests to legalise gay marriages, the irrevocable protests of the church and Christians are extremely important (this does not mean we do not love gays). We are merely stating the moral value as written in the Bible to the society. When the world values are starting to eat into the conservative moral principles of the country, the church and the Christians should stand by the values taught to us in the Bible.
As Singapore welcomes her 52th birthday, we the citizens, as well as the children of heaven, pray that God’s grace might be on her, and grant her peace and prosperity.