You, God, and government

Romans 13

Is the president a man of God? Are our congressional leaders men and women of God? What about the state officials? The answer to these questions is a matter of two things fruit and opinion. Only God knows the hearts of mankind whether they are Godly or not Paul makes it very clear; our leaders have been set in place by God, either for our discipline and correction, or our blessing.

Some of the most corrupt leaders to have ever lived were in power during Paul’s lifetime. Israel was under subjugation yet Paul wrote; do not resist the authority over you. Why would he say something like that? We need to view life from a God-perspective. In America we are concerned about “our rights”; God is concerned about eternity. He places leaders in position for a reason, it is our job to trust that and to do everything we can to affect the lives of people around us for eternity. We aren’t able to see from God’s perspective.

The government is not our God. It should not control us. It is our job to recognize those in authority, to pray for them, and to submit to their rule as long as it does not violate God’s principles. When it does, that is our time to rise up and change the government. The American Revolution was based on violations of scriptural principles. Pastors headed many of the militias, but that is the exception and not the rule. Paul, Peter, and all of the disciples, the most powerful men who ever walked the earth, apart from Jesus, did not see a need to start a military revolution, they began a revolution that was even more powerful than any other the world had every seen. Their obedience to God and their love for mankind changed lives for eternity.

The job of any government is to rule the people with fairness, to punish evil, and to protect its subjects. All of that costs; our job is to submit to the authority, to live godly lives, and to pay our share of taxes.

Once again our eyes should be on eternity. When I mentioned above that we are to live godly lives, that is God’s instruction to us, we must over come fleshly desire, allow love to rule our lives, and live a life of asking ourselves, “What would Jesus do?” I know it is cliché but to be honest, as Paul is writing here that we are to put on Christ, that is the best way to describe it.

The godliness of our leaders should not determine our obedience to the Lord’s commands to submit to them. If it does, then you may find yourself as verse 2 states resisting the ordinances of God and bringing judgment on yourself. Pray for our governmental and spiritual leaders, bless them, encourage them, and trust God with your life, future, and eternity. Governments will come and go but God and his Word last forever.