Look around you!
Disrespect for authority had probably never been greater than it is now. It seems to grow daily. More than ever, our society seems to be driven by the spirit of rebellion and the pursuit of
"personal freedoms" and "individual rights".
Is it true that Christians have a spiritual duty to make this world's governments better? Does Christ want you to write your congressman about issues you want addressed?
What should a Christian's relationship be to our country's government? Do we have a responsibility to reform it? Are we free to speak evil of individuals in authority
if we do not like what they do?
What about Romans 13:1-7?
"Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished" (KJV says they receive damnation to themselves.). For the authorities do not strike fear in people who are doing right, but in those who are doing wrong. Do what is right, and they will honor you. The authorities are God's servants, sent for your good. But if you are doing wrong, of course, you should be afraid, for they have the power to punish you. They are God's servants sent for the very purpose of punishing those who do what is wrong. So you must submit to them, not only to avoid punishment, but also to keep a clear conscience. Pay your taxes, too, for these same reasons. For governments need to be paid. They are serving God in what they do. Give to everyone what you owe them: pay your taxes and government fees to those who collect them, and give respect
and honor to those who are in authority.
These Scriptures contain much to consider. They leave no question that all people--including Christians--
are subject to the governing authorities.
To resist them, God says, is to "resist.....God."
This is serious!
Have you ever wondered who selects the leaders of the countries on earth? Do men ultimately select kings, presidents, prime ministers, and other rulers? Benjamin Franklin once said, "The longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth, that God governs the affairs of man; and if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His notice, is it probable that the empire can rise without His aid?"
Daniel 4:17 states, "He (God) removes kings and sets up kings". There is no misunderstanding this verse.
GOD establishes and removes kings and kingdoms.
If God chooses to place the weakest humans in office, because He may feel this is who the people deserve,
then it is His prerogative to do so.
Men may come to power in different ways, deceit, dishonesty, etc., but these things are allowed by God for His great, overall purpose.
By respecting those who hold offices through the authority and permission of God, we actually show respect to God Himself. While their personal conduct may be far from praiseworthy, even to the point of corrupting the government they represent, they are still appointed by God to preserve order and punish law-breakers and wrong doers. When leaders are self-serving- or even down right devilish- it is God's responsibility to remove them---not ours!
Peter spoke of those who "despise government. Presumptuous are they, self-willed, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignitaries". (II Peter 2:10) Some people utter outrageous slander against those in authority-- for real or imagined wrongs. They "presume" that it is alright to do this, lacking the fear necessary to hold them back in their attacks against dignitaries.
Paul wrote, "Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work, TO SPEAK EVIL OF NO MAN, to be no brawlers, but gentle, showing meekness unto all men". (Titus 3:1-2)
Do you reflect cynicism, bitterness,
anger and accusation toward others?
What about "SPEAK EVIL OF NO MAN"?
Peter also gave important instructions about what God expects of Christians in their responsibilty toward civil authorities. He wrote, "SUBMIT yourselves unto every ordinance of man, FOR THE LORD'S SAKE: whether it be to the king, as supreme; or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evil doers, and for the praise of them that do well.
For so is the will of God, that with welldoing
you may put to silence the igorance of foolish men....
Honor all men. Love the brotherhood.
Fear God. Honor the king. (I Peter 2:13-15, 17)
The Christian's responsibility does not end with mere obedience to government authority. Paul actually tells us to PRAY for those in authority-- and includes a secific reason.
He states, "I exhort therefore, that first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; for kings, and for all those that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and preaceable life in all godliness and honesty."
(I Tim. 2:1-2)
It is so important that we do not forget this responsibility.
Do we really believe in the power of prayer?
Can you imagine what it would be like to be a leader of a country?
You would always have people mad at you, always criticizing you, always telling you how things should be done.
You and your family's lives could be threatened at any time.
I can only imagine that it would feel so good to a leader to know that Christians are praying for him and his family.
Sadly though, some Christians are his worst criticizers!
What about voting?
Please don't throw me under the bus because I don't vote.
I believe the most powerful thing a Christian can do is PRAY!
No, I didn't say pray and vote. God doesn't need my vote. He has no problem putting into office who He chooses to put in.
"He (not we) sets up kings and takes down kings."
I completely believe that God has already chosen
the next president of the United States of America
and He will put him into office.
Several years ago a friend of ours challenged us to read the small print on Florida's Voter's Registration.
Did you know when you register to vote you take an oath?
Check out what Scripture says about oaths.
Did you also know that you swear/affirm to support and defend the Constitution of the United States?
Are you ready to defend our Constitution?
How would you defend it?
This leads into a whole new subject for another time...
Chrisitans and Force....
are we non-resistant anymore?
It troubles me that many 'Christians' decide they are going to vote and defend without studying the Scriptures to see what God says about these subjects. I'm afraid we may someday pay a high price for the decisions we are lightly making today.
I believe that, as Christians, we are citizens of a heavenly kingdom. We are strangers and pilgrims only passing through this world's kingdom. We are not to become entangled with the affairs of this world. I think of it when we travel through Atlanta, Georgia or other cities. We just travel through. We try to be Christ's ambassadors and witnesses there;
but we do not stop to see how their goverments are running.
We are not citizens of Atlanta....only travelers passing through.
Consider your attitude toward government.
Have your prayed for our leaders as Christ has commanded us to?
Or have you criticized and slandered them?
Do you think by criticizing them
somehow you can make them better?
As we approach November and election,
I challenge you to pray and ask God to put into office
the man HE has chosen to rule our country.
And then I challenge you further,
to PRAY for our new president like never before.
November...Election...President
God's already got it covered!
