Christian Duty To Government
Psalm 46:1-2 reads: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present
help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change.”
Both Presidential candidates campaigned about change. Now that a new President
has been selected we must be ready for the changes that are to come. While political
pundits have warned about massive changes that scare the populace, we will eventually
realize that we are talking about Washington D. C. and our congress. Change
is not a word that operates in this environment. Yet we still hope for change
in our government. Everyone hopes for positive change, but that means different
things to different people.
But despite the rhetoric and complaints we may register, there is still the
matter to consider of how we are to respond to the government. The apostle Paul
wrote in Romans 13:1-2 reads: “Let every person be in subjection
to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and
those which exist are established by God. Therefore he who resists authority
has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation
upon themselves.” This passage says that whoever resists the
laws of the land and the governing authorities are guilty of sin.
The apostle Peter said this in 1 Peter 2:17 “…honor the
king”. This would seem strange that these two apostles told the
Christians of the first century to honor their governments when their governments
were corrupt and immoral, and seeking to destroy Christianity. The Emperor Nero
was the King in that time, and his evil is well documented.
Paul told young Timothy to urge that everyone pray for all men and in 1 Timothy
2:2 Paul says “for kings and all who are in authority, in order
that we may lead a tranquil and quite life in all godliness and dignity”
While there are many people who do not care to live a life of godliness,
we still need to maintain dignity. We pray that those in authority will seek
the guidance of God and petition Him by prayer asking for sound judgment and
guidance.
Proverbs 14:34 reads: “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin
is a disgrace to any people.” God and Jesus the Christ are to
be exalted. Only those who practice righteousness will be exalted by God when
this life is over. Honor our new President because of his office, but do not
exalt him. Only the God of heaven is our refuge and strength. No man can live
up to that standard.
We know that God is not willing that any perish (2 Peter 3:9). You must believe
that Jesus is the Son of God and died on the cross for your sins. (Acts 8:37).
You must repent of your sins (Luke 13:3), you must confess
Jesus as Lord (Matthew 10:32) and you must be baptized for
the remission of sins (Acts 2:38; 22:16). Then you must remain faithful
and continue learning how to serve God (2 Peter 3:18). Let us help
you on your spiritual journey. May God bless you in your study of His word.
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By Carey Scott via the Madisonville Meteor; November 12, 2008
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