GOD GIVES US GOVERNMENT
“Be subject to rulers and authorities” Titus 3:1
In the United States we are fortunate to have a government called a “republic” where the people elect representatives to serve them. God has blessed us with the freedom to choose whom we would like to serve us in government. There are other types of governments too. Some countries have a “monarchy” where a king or queen rules over the people. People become kings and queens not by elections but because they are part of a royal family.
Another type of government in some countries is a “dictatorship.” In this type of government, there is one person who has authority over everyone. These are usually rulers who force the people to obey them.
In the United States our government makes laws to keep order, sees that roads are built, and helps people who are suffering. It also provides soldiers to fight for us, police and firefighters to keep us safe, and judges to rule fairly over the people. Without our government there would be great confusion, and our country could be easily overtaken by a wicked enemy.
In the Bible, God laid out his plans to have governments rule over the people. They were to keep order and peace. Not only was it God’s idea, but God keeps watch over every type of government every day. He knows which countries have republics and which have dictators. And because God has established each of them, he tells us that we should respect and do what his servants tell us to do, even if we disagree. The only time we may disobey our government is if it forces us to do something that God will not allow. Then we must obey God’s laws, and not man’s laws.
Paul wrote to the Romans in chapter 13: “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves” (selected verses).
It is right for God’s people to pray for those who serve in the government that they may rule fairly and govern according to God’s will.
God, bless our native land!
Firm may she ever stand
Thro’ storm and night!
When the wild tempests rave,
Ruler of wind and wave
Do Thou our country save by Thy great might. Amen.
From Living for Jesus by Reynold R. Kremer