Why do those without the gospel often overlook the dangers of tyrannical power?

Conrad Mbewe reminds us that the Christian Church serves as the salt and light in a world that often turns a blind eye to tyrannical rulers. Such rulers, wielding military, political, or philosophical power, seek to replace God in the lives of their subjects. While the world may not see anything amiss, Christians recognize the inherent danger of giving unchecked power to fallen human beings. This is akin to preparing dynamite that is bound to explode. Therefore, Christians are called to teach the world about God's sovereignty and His established order, which serves as a check against human fallenness.

In addition to teaching, Christians must also stand firm, especially when tyrants encroach upon the sacred realm of worship. There is a point where believers must draw the line and declare, 'Here, Jesus is Lord.' This stance is not just about defending religious freedom but also about upholding the truth of God's word in a world that often disregards divine authority. By doing so, Christians fulfill their role as the moral compass in society, demonstrating that ultimate authority belongs to God, not man.

Romans 13:1 (NKJV): 'Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.'

The Christian Church is the salt and light in the world. And so the world sees nothing wrong with, well, often sees nothing wrong with tyrannical rulers, with individuals that want to take the place of God in the lives of their citizens simply because they've got military power, political power, even in philosophical power. So the world might not see anything wrong with that. We who are Christians are the ones who recognize the fallenness of man, that you add that kind of unbridled power to a fallen human being, you are literally preparing dynamite, which will soon explode. And so in that sense, we teach not only the people within the context of the church, but we teach the world what God says in his word, that he is the ruler and that he provides the checks and balances in a fallen world.

And through that, we not only teach, but we also take our stand, especially when tyrannical rulers begin to get into the sphere of the worship of God. We should be able to say, That's why you can come, but no further. Here, Jesus is Lord.