Respect your Government

Daniel 2 (KJV)
20 Daniel answered and said, Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever: for wisdom and might are his:
21 And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding:

Bulldog's Rephrasing:
God removes kings, and He appoints kings, the power is His.

Respect your Government

This can be a very touchy subject. A Christian may say to themselves, "This government is so corrupt, why should I obey it? Shouldn't I do everything I can to change it?" but what does the bible have to say about this attitude? Well, according to Daniel and other bible references, God has appointed our government officials. In the USA, many will retort, "But we the people have appointed our own government officials!" Do yo really think that God has no control of these matters? Would you believe that mankind's majority vote has greater power than the almighty God and Creator of all things? Does that mean we should not vote? No, it means that we should put our trust in God that regardless of how many people vote, and whether the voters are Christian or not, God will be the one who places the correct government official into office. Does that mean that all government officials are doing God's work? No, it means that God is entrusting His work to them and that they will be judged by Him for failing or succeeding to carry out His will. As we go further into this study you will come to see that we as Christians should obey and respect our government, with the exception of going against what God says is right and wrong.

Romans 13 (KJV)
01 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.
02 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.
03 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:
04 For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.
05 Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.
06 For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.
07 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.

Bulldog's Rephrasing:
Everyone should submit to the authorities placed above them. Because these authorities were appointed by God. Whoever resists authority, resists the order that God has put in place, and this will bring damnation from God. Because rulers are meant to bring God's justice, not terror to the innocent. If you will be faithful and do that which is good you will have no reason to fear the government, you should be praised by your community. But if you do evil, be afraid; because God has appointed your government, with the sword of justice, to be a minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon those who do evil. This is why you should subject yourselves to the laws of your government, not only because of the punishment offered, but also for the sake of your own conscience. So pay your taxes and be upstanding citizens, because your government are God's ministers, attending continually on God's wrath to evil-doers. So, render all payments, custom, fear, and honor to those in power who demand it.

I suppose some Americans would listen to this and say that this is lying down pathetically and letting corrupt politicians walk all over you. Don't forget God put them in power, and don't forget God can strip them of all power. Also, remember that in the end all will be judged by God. Also, don't forget that in America we have the privilege of being allowed to argue our beliefs and opinions legally. This does not give us the liberty to break the law in order to right a wrong. I believe also, that God wants us to avoid incessant bickering and arguing in public, as this makes for a poor example to others. If you have a problem with something, think hard and make a humble statement about why you believe something is wrong, but do not argue, especially when your words will fall on deaf ears!