The LORD instructs HIS children to be responsible and obedient citizens of the earthly nations of which they are a part.“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. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of GOD.” (Rom.13:1-2)We are not taught to be anarchists or to rejoice in those who sow seeds of sedition. (see Titus 3:1; I Peter 2:13-17; II Peter 2:10) Rather we are to give honor and respect to those who are put in places of government remembering that they are placed in these positions according to the sovereign purpose of Almighty GOD
Sometimes in light of this commandment some men equate patriotism with godliness. Now while it is true that grace produces a measure of patriotism in the true sons of GOD it is far from true that all patriots serve and love GOD out of a pure heart. Our primary allegiance, as the sons of GOD, is to HIM. We obey the laws of the land because the LORD commands us to, not out of a blind allegiance to the authority of men or some mindless patriotic fervor.
We are a blessed nation in many respects. We have a form of government which allows each individual to have a voice, though admittedly it sometimes seems to be a small voice. So as responsible citizens of this republic we should exercise our privilege and duty to vote for men (or women) who we feel are most qualified and suitable to be our leaders. If we lived in a nation which had a king or other non-elected ruler then we would have the responsibility to obey and honor that monarch. The type of government which the LORD sees fit to put us under should have no bearing on whether or not we honor that government. GOD uses the government of tyrants and dictators to fulfill HIS purposes in the earth just as much as HE does that of the most benevolent and godly elected leaders. (see Isa.59:1; Num.11:23)
Since we are fortunate to live in a democratic society some assume that this is the ideal government for all nations of the earth. In fact some think that the quest for such is synonymous with the ongoing of the kingdom of GOD. But the reality is that the kingdom of God is not concerned with the governments, principalities, or the prevailing religious thought of any nation in this world. The LORD JESUS said,“My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.” (John 18:36)The only war which GOD has called HIS children to engage in is one which is not fought with guns and knives.(see II Cor.10:3-5) Those powers which we are charged with overcoming are not of flesh and blood.“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” (Eph 6:12)Now while I would stop short of saying that a child of GOD should never under any circumstance engage in an earthly combat, I am certain that such warfare does not produce any lasting spiritual result. The hearts of men are not conquered by the power of the flesh. Lasting freedom and peace is the gift of GOD; not something paid for by the blood of patriots, however nobly it may be shed.
We are faced in a few months with the responsibility and privilege of selecting the man who will be the leader of our nation for the next four years. I have heard some (on both sides) so excited, about the outcome of this election, to the point of saying all will be lost if their candidate loses. I even read that a prominent celebrity has threatened to move out of the country if the candidate he opposes is elected. Now I really would not be upset if all of these so called celebrities moved out of the country and never came back regardless of their political positions but I am confident that they can find no better system of earthly government.
It is quite common to hear it said that the “future of our nation “ depends on who we elect as president. There may be an element of truth in this, insofar as GOD allows us to select them, but make no mistake about this, the future of our nation is not in the hands of men but depends on the mercy and grace of the GOD who rules the heavens and the earth. We shall cast our votes in November but the whole disposing of the election and its results are in HIS keeping. (see Prov.16:33) GOD’s will shall be done whether a democrat or a republican is installed in the office of president.
The kingdoms of this world may wax and wane but the purpose of the ALMIGHTY shall be accomplished (see Dan.4:35) without fail. HIS kingdom shall be established without the aid of any earthly government. The gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in triumph wherever HE sends HIS messengers. No prince, no ruler, nor set of earthly laws can hinder its progress. Neither can its success be secured or aided by the same. Kings, queens, and presidents rule at the pleasure of HIM who is the KING of kings and LORD of lords and they shall surely perform HIS bidding in the earth.“So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of GOD that sheweth mercy. For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth. Therefore hath HE mercy on whom HE will have mercy, and whom HE will HE hardeneth.” (Romans 9:16-18)
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