When Rhetoric Becomes Reckless: A Christian Response to Calls for Defiance

Words Have Consequences

In recent days, some prominent voices—Christian leaders included—have responded to legal rulings with strong, defiant language. One such moment came when a federal judge blocked an executive order requiring proof of citizenship to vote in federal elections. The ruling was controversial, and understandably, many were frustrated.

But among the responses was a troubling trend: calls for open defiance. Not reasoned disagreement. Not lawful appeal. Simply, “Defy this judge.”

This is where I believe we need to pause, step back, and ask ourselves: Where does this lead? Because if our first response to a legal decision we dislike is to tell others to ignore it—especially when it comes from spiritual leaders—we aren’t just reacting emotionally. We’re undermining the very rule of law that protects us all.

The Danger of Unchecked Rhetoric

We live in a time of deep political and moral division. Passions are high. But when Christian leaders, especially pastors, use their platforms to stir defiance without clear biblical or constitutional grounding, the result isn’t faithfulness—it’s confusion, chaos, and division.

The Bible does not forbid civil disobedience. In fact, we’re called to obey God rather than man when the two clearly conflict (Acts 5:29). But defiance is not the first step—it’s the last. And it’s only warranted when justice itself demands it, not just when we disagree with a court’s ruling.

When rhetoric becomes reactionary, it loses its moral force. It may rally a crowd, but it doesn’t disciple hearts.

But What About Justice and the Constitution?

Some will argue—and passionately so—that restricting voting to citizens is just. And indeed, they’re right: the Constitution reserves voting in federal elections for citizens. That’s not up for debate. The executive order that was blocked aimed to enforce this principle, and to many, the judge’s ruling seems to fly in the face of common sense and constitutional integrity.

So is this really a time for bold resistance?

Here’s the distinction: we must differentiate between what we believe is right and how we respond when the legal system rules against us.

Yes, justice demands that only citizens vote. But defiance—especially when encouraged from the pulpit or public platform—is not our first line of action just because we feel the system failed. There are constitutional avenues to fight bad rulings: appeals, legislative corrections, even elections that can shift the judicial philosophy over time.

Calling for immediate defiance skips over all of those. It trades long-term justice for short-term rage. And rage—even in the name of righteousness—can become a tool of the enemy when it leads us to lawlessness (James 1:20).

If we defy every ruling we disagree with, then we’re no longer governed by law—we’re governed by whoever shouts loudest.

That’s not constitutionalism. That’s chaos.

Let’s fight for voter integrity. Let’s stand on the truth. But let’s do it in a way that strengthens—not undermines—the very justice system we depend on.

When Frustration Feeds a False View of Government

It’s understandable to feel worn down when judges seem to block policies we supported at the ballot box. Many are frustrated and feel like the will of the people is being constantly overturned. But this kind of frustration, if left unchecked, can give rise to a warped view of how our system works.

In a constitutional republic, judges are not public opinion polls—they are interpreters of law. They’re not meant to affirm our every vote, but to ensure laws align with the Constitution, even when that decision isn’t popular.

Do judges sometimes get it wrong? Absolutely. But painting the judiciary as a tyrannical enemy every time it issues an unfavorable ruling is neither wise nor honest. It may stir emotion, but it erodes trust in the system that restrains tyranny in the first place.

Not every loss is an act of oppression—and not every judge is a tyrant because they don’t share our perspective.

If we frame every judicial ruling we oppose as illegitimate or evil, we’re training ourselves—and others—to treat law itself as an obstacle to overcome, not a boundary to honor.

That’s not frustration. That’s functional anarchy. And Christians, of all people, must rise above that impulse.

The Path Forward

If a judge’s ruling is wrong, we have lawful and biblical avenues to pursue justice:

• Appeal it through the court system.

• Engage legislatively, where laws are written and changed.

• Educate the public on why the issue matters.

• Encourage participation in elections to bring about lasting change.

None of those steps require us to abandon the rule of law. They require us to engage with it faithfully.

We don’t need louder voices—we need wiser ones. We don’t need quick posts—we need long faithfulness.

A Higher Standard for Christian Leaders

As believers, and especially as pastors, we are called to speak truth with wisdom (James 3:17). That means rejecting both cowardice and chaos. It means being bold and measured, principled and peaceable.

This isn’t about one leader or one moment. It’s about a pattern—one we must not normalize. Our culture is already awash in outrage. The church should be known for conviction, not combustion.

So no, this article isn’t aimed at any one person. But it is aimed at a tone, a trend, a temptation—to let frustration justify recklessness. To confuse anger with courage. And to forget that how we speak is just as important as what we say.

Let’s be bold. But let’s be biblical.

Let’s be firm. But let’s be faithful.

Let’s lead with truth—and never at the expense of grace, wisdom, or the witness of Christ.