When I learn about someone in sorrow and distress, as a Christian, I immediately want them to know that they are in my thoughts and prayers. When disaster strikes, hundreds or even thousands of us reach out to those involved with our thoughts and prayers. Those who do not know the power of prayer or the power of the God we serve, mock us as if we are doing nothing to solve the problem or prevent added tragedy. They evidently have never been comforted by God through the prayers of others as I have. They see it as just giving meaningless lip service. What they fail to realize is that attention to spiritual needs is our first priority, but not our only one. When there is a need for help or financial assistance, Christians generously give of their time and resources to help those in need as the Holy Spirit leads us.
Instead of offering moral support or personally getting involved, those scoffers turn to government (their God) for solutions. They petition (pray) for government to take action to control climate change, enact stronger gun control laws, or do whatever they feel is needed to prevent similar disasters. That gives them the feeling of accomplishment, without the need for them to roll up their sleeves and get personally involved physically or spiritually.
The scriptures tell us to respect governmental authority, pay taxes and obey laws (Romans 13:1-7), as long as those laws don’t require us to disobey God. The story of the three Hebrew young men refusing to worship the statue the government had erected (Daniel 3) illustrates that we must always obey God first, even if that means breaking man’s law. Jesus teaches us to love others and gives us the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:30-37) to show us how to put our love into action by personally getting involved. The Samaritan didn’t petition the Roman government to make the road safe from robbers or to provide medical and financial assistance to victims. He got personally involved, giving of his love, compassion, time and money to help a stranger in trouble. I might be missing something, but I cannot find one verse of scripture that tells us to let government do what we are instructed to do.
Back to the importance of thoughts and prayers; you and I are in the thoughts and prayers of God’s Son. When Jesus describes His mission on earth (John 3:16-17) it is with you and me in mind. When He prays for the disciples before going to the cross, He includes us in His prayer (John 17:20). He even mentions us when doubting Thomas finally believes He has risen from the dead (John 20:29). Just as Jesus keeps us in His thoughts and prayers, let us continue to do the same for others.