Happy Independence Day! What is the role of government? Where does government get its authority? What happens when the government does what it is supposed to do? What happens when it does not? When I started writing this blog it was my desire not to be political with it. I never wanted use my political background to write a blog but there are so many ways that my government has strayed from God’s intended role that I had to say something. I could no longer remain silent. Let me share with you what I learned about government and how it is supposed to bring hope.
I believe that the best passage in The Bible about the purpose of government and source of its authority is Romans 13:1-7. I find in this passage that government exists and gets its authority from God. “For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.” Romans 13:1b (ESV) I find a clear and defined role, “For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, for he is God’s servant for your good.” Romans 13:3-4a (ESV) This implies something about government. It must know and understand what is good and what is evil. Pastor Troy Dobbs, from my Church, Grace Church Eden Prairie gave a great message last Sunday laying out Romans 13. If you have time, I would encourage you to listen. So, when government does as it is supposed to I live a peaceful and quiet life and that brings about hope.
So, what happens when government fails to do what God has entrusted it to do? Short answer evil runs rampant and hope is destroyed. Here are just a few of many verses in the Bible that shows you the consequence of government gone wrong. “When the righteous increase, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people groan.” Proverbs 29:2 (ESV) “Woe to those who decree iniquitous decrees, and the writers who keep writing oppression.” Isaiah 10:1 (ESV) I have found many examples of bad government in the Bible so it is nothing new. It just seems to me that it is getting worse during my life time.
One truth I cling to is found in Proverbs 14:34, “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.” (ESV) Since this is true how can I make a difference? Clearly Paul answers my question in 1 Timothy 2:1-4, “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” (ESV) I would like to think that besides praying this verse would include participating as well. Since people in Paul’s day had no real way to participate and we do I believe we need to vote our biblical values, hold our elected officials accountable, and confront the evils that exist in government. I also believe that we need to listen for a calling from God about running for political office. However, when we engage, we must do it biblically. 2 Timothy 2:24-26 tells me that I should, how I should, and why I should. “And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.” (ESV)
I pray you that you engage in a way that you engage with the government by praying, voting, holding your elected officials accountable, and by speaking the truth in love. Then, you will live with hope. It is through a relationship with God through Jesus that solves the problem of sin and brings us hope in the present and the future. I would also encourage you to seek Jesus for He is the only opportunity there is to have eternal life. This is to me the greatest source of hope. In doing so, I believe we will have hope and joy in our everyday lives. Understanding how Jesus Christ grants us access to eternal life, allows us to live in hope. “And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.” John 17:3 (ESV) At the same time understanding you will live eternally knowing the only true God and Jesus Christ will also bring you the greatest hope. Because of the death of Jesus Christ on the cross satisfied the penalty for sins. His payment satisfies all my sins from the past, the present and in the future. My penalty and yours was satisfied on the cross by the death of Jesus, God’s greatest act of love and wrath, who became sin for me and you. It was also God’s greatest act of faithfulness because “God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8 (ESV) Because holiness shows us, we need to believe in Jesus. I hope that you join me in helping others to choose Jesus.
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