The Sword-Bearer

"For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good and you will have praise from the same; for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil. Therefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath, but also for conscience’ sake." (Rom. 13:3-5)

As I watched the State of the Union speech tonight, my mind once again wandered to thoughts of the relationship of God and governments. I was especially thoughtful about this question: What is the government's responsibility when it comes to morality? Should governments "regulate" morality or leave it up to each person to decide what is right and wrong? And, if someone or something is wicked and evil, taking advantage of people and property, what is the government's responsibility of response?

Scripture makes several things clear: God is not opposed to governments, even if they are opposed to God. And God calls His followers to follow their governments, even if those governments persecute followers of God. It's all part of the witness of His children — witness of their obedience to God's authority and witness of God's grace to governors and governments.

So what is the government to do in regards to morality, according to God's mandate?

Our government is to uphold justice by rewarding those who do good and punishing those who do wrong. This is good and acceptable in God's sight. Paul even calls the government a "minister of God." Yowsers! So obey the laws of the land. There is a big exception, laid out in Acts 4, but that exception (if the command of God and law of the land conflict) does not exempt you from speed limit signs, school zones, or not displaying the 10 Commandments in government buildings.

But when it comes to corporations, insurance companies, banks, and other large organizations, who is to hold them accountable for their actions? Well, according to the Apostle Paul governments are the sword-bearers for punishing corruption. That means our government is responsible for going after corrupt executives and greedy boards, unfair insurance companies and filthy oil companies.

If we believe God's word and are called by His Name, we must stand up for a right view of the government God has established. We may not like the president or his party (maybe we do), but he is the ruler and they are the rulers God has established to wield His sword and reward the just. Please rest assured, in THIS American government, just as every other government He has established, God will ordain praise and bring Himself glory. He always does, in every situation at every time. And we are to pray for it and obey it... for God's sake, as well as our own conscience.

Be God's!

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