Set a wicked man over
him,
and let an accuser
stand at
his right hand. When
he is judged,
let him be found
guilty. And let his
prayer become sin.
Let his days
be few, and let
another take his place.
Psalm 109:6–8
This
discussion about the role of government and the role of Christians in regard to
their role to be in subjection and submission can take many more blogs. This I
will not do! Let us come to conclusion. The Chronicler wrote: “Now
therefore, in the sight of all Israel, the assembly of the LORD, and in the
hearing of our God, be careful to seek out all the commandments of the LORD
your God, that you may possess this good land, and leave it as an inheritance
for your children after you forever” (1Chornicles 28:8). If we
unconditionally submit to some earthly authority then all we have done is
destroy this possibility. The only unconditional submission a Christian must
abide by is their unconditional submission to God, His precepts, His
commandments, and by doing so will provide the way for man to live in peace and
in a good land. God had revealed this gift of having a good land, and blessing
and by God’s natural and revealed law(s). What are you and I leaving behind for
our children? Is it a better land, or a poorer one? We all, those especially
that claim to be converted to the Lord Jesus Christ to choose to do those
things that are better in God’s sight that will lead to justice and freedom.
This choosing will eliminate treachery, tyrants, slavery, and leave for our
children a land worthy, a life worthy of honor. Speaking to king Solomon, words
that ring true for us today and for those in the future: “Consider now, for
the LORD has chosen you to build a house for the sanctuary; be strong, and do
it” (1Chronicles 28:10). You are the sanctuary of God, His temple and so
are those children who are one of God’s children, they are the temple of God
(At times we may wonder), and we are to build this sanctuary to be for use for
the will and purpose of God. We are not here to take up space, to live a life
of antinomy, or autonomy, no, we are to be what God has determined for His
people, a witness for Him, and to leave this world until He comes in a better
state. Are you taking time each week, even in some way each day, to teach your
children what it means to be a Christian, their role as they grow into manhood
and womanhood? Are you availing yourself to be involved in the affairs of the
local, state, and national governments? One may be involved in a greater way
than another, but all should be involved. Think about this: 1700’s in the new
land now inhabited by many who left Europe due to persecution, and having to
live under governments that were in many ways tyrannical attempting to build a
better place to live for themselves and their posterity. Time came when the
oppression was too much to bear and they did not simply submit and subject
themselves to such oppression. No! by 1776 the United States was born and a new
Constitution now formed to ensure that this new land would be governed by
justice. When justices is misused and becomes oppressive, not following the
laws of God, then it is possible that a genuine recognition towards our
submission to a God–ordained government may require reformation. This may
require resistance, do not be misled here, I am not promoting armed rebellion,
although in 1775 armed rebellion was all that could be done to secure this land
for freedom and justice, we can resist by voting, by participating n the
affairs of local, state, and national courts, Congress, and assemblies by our
representatives. It is our duty to God, self, family, and neighbor that
requires us to do this (“do it”). It is our duty and obligation to
ensure that those given the power to rule and govern do so according to the
will and purpose of God. We would not associate with such as prostitutes,
illegal drug uses, thieves, robbers, murders, liars, and those who abuse their
powers: “Do not be deceived: ‘Evil company corrupts good habits’”
(1Corinthians 15:33). We stand against evil, in all its forms, its methods:
“Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lords’ sake,
whether to the king as supreme, or to governors, as to those who are sent by
him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good.
For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the
ignorance of the foolish men––as free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for
vice, but as bondservants of God. Honor al people. Love the brotherhood. Fear
God. Honor the king” (1Peter 2:13–17). Are you putting to silence the
ignorance of some men who are acting and governing in such ignorance, and do
you love the brotherhood so much that you will not use liberty to become
apathetic and allow vice? You are a bondservant of God according to Scripture
and by being a bondservant then it is the duty of a bondservant to do the will
of his master and that master is Jesus Christ, God come in the flesh.
Government is God’s minister to do good: “For he is God’s minister to you
for good…”(Romans 13:4a).
Government
has God’s ordination to rule and we have the obligation to be ruled, but this
ruling is not unlimited, it is limited by the will and purpose of God.
Therefore, we must examine as to who are the ones governing, and what authority
does he have, and how did that governor obtain that authority, and finally, how
is the government using his authority? We need to ask the relevant questions
and to ensure that the answers will lead us to leave this land to our children
in a better state than it was while we lived.
And we know that the Son of God
Has come
and has given us
An understanding, that we may know
Him who is
true, in His Son
Jesus Christ. This is the true God and
Eternal life.
Little children,
Keep yourselves from idols. Amen.
1John 5:20–21
By Love We Walk According To God’s Commandments
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