Good Government

Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same. For he is God’s minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil. Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience’ sake. For because of this you also pay taxes, for they are God’s ministers attending continually to this very thing. Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor. Romans 13:1-7 (NKJV)

These verses talk about God ordaining good government. As a government submits to God, we must then submit to good government. In so doing, we are submitting to God. And if a government does not submit to God, then we obey God rather than man (Acts 5:29).

If we resist good government, we resist what God has established for our good. When we submit to good government, it is to our benefit. For example, if we speed, the officer and judge will uphold the law to protect us and others from the results of reckless behavior. When we do what is right, we should not have to fear the government or the law. When we do right, our consciences should be clear.

In the last days, lawlessness abounds, so it is important to vote in good government that will pass laws based on the Word of God. When government officials do not align with God, we can pray them out of office and vote them out. We can replace them with people who will uphold God’s Word and beliefs based on the Word.

Our taxes pay for our communities to have good officers and officials that will uphold the consitution. We need to see these people as ministers of God established for our protection and help. We must love, support, and pray for them so we can live in peace and the Gospel can go forth unhindered and we can influence every sphere of society and life.

Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. I Timothy 2:1-4 (NKJV)

To ensure that we have good government, we can pray, vote, be informed and get involved. When good people do not engage in the government process, then the vaccuum is filled with ungodly people. As we enter the primaries, let’s not sit idly by as wicked people try to rule and reign. We can ensure that we have good, God-ordained government.