One of the most often misunderstood things in the Bible is the origin of human government. The very first thing we need to understand is that government is God’s idea, not mans. And, in fact, He was the first one to institute government on the earth.
All the way back in Genesis 9, after God rescued Noah and his family, God gave them some new post-flood rules. In verse 6 He tells them the following:
“Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man.”
God was reminding Noah -- and us -- that man is made in God’s image. In essence, killing a man is tantamount to killing God. So God is instituting human responsibility to deal with murder; not by vigilantes but by men who will represent God’s authority. Here is what John Wesley had to say on this subject:
“That is, by the magistrate, or whoever is appointed to be the avenger of blood. Before the flood, as it should seem by the story of Cain, God took the punishment of murder into his own hands; but now he committed this judgment to men, to masters of families at first, and afterwards to the heads of countries. For in the image of God made he man - Man is a creature dear to his Creator, and therefore ought to be so to us; God put honour upon him, let us not then put contempt upon him. Such remains of God's image are still even upon fallen man, that he who unjustly kills a man, defaceth the image of God, and doth dishonour to him.”
In Romans 13 Paul tells, “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” (emphasis added). It’s God Himself Who ordains government. No government is anarchy and that will always end badly because everyone is doing what’s right in their own eyes (Proverbs 16:25). When Paul wrote the book of Romans, Nero was the ruler of Rome. Any look at history will reveal Nero as one of the most wicked rulers of men ever. Yet Paul reminds us in Romans 13:2 that resisting the government is resisting God’s authority and therefore risking damnation.
It was for this reason that David kept referring to King Saul as “God’s anointed” and refused to do him any harm even though Samuel had anointed David as the king of Israel. David recognized that Saul had been appointed by God and therefore only God could pull him down when the time was right (Daniel 2:21; 4:17).
There’s no doubt that God’s Kingdom is ruling over all of creation (Psalm 103:19). It’s obvious not just because God’s Word tells us this, but even nature itself declares the glory of God (Psalm 19)! That brings me to the real issue.
As American Christians, we pay our taxes because that’s what God requires of us. Yet look at some of the evil things our tax dollars are used for and you can’t help but wonder why we’re subsidizing so much wickedness (abortion, homosexual “marriage”, illegal immigration, etc.). But we still pay our taxes. But when it comes to having a voice in determining HOW our government will function and where our taxes are spent some Christians don’t want to participate because “government is evil?”
Government is God’s invention for our good. Here in America -- and anywhere the Christians can vote -- the people can determine the direction of government. If the government is being run by wicked people is that God’s fault? Or is it the fault of those who see the evil but refuse to participate in changing the government? If you’re not voting, then you’re part of the problem.
When it comes to the salvation of your loved ones, do you tell them about Jesus or do you expect the LORD to do that Himself? He’s already done all the real work? He sent His only begotten Son to die on a cross to pay for the sin of the world. Jesus rose from the dead defeating death. All He asks is for us to get in the yoke with Him and walk with Him while learning from Him (Matthew 11:28-30). When we do that we learn that everything in this life is important to Him. That includes the selection of godly men and women to participate in our government.
God has given American Christians a tremendous blessing -- and responsibility! -- by allowing us to participate in the selection of our leaders. He expects us to select men and women who stand for the same things that He advocates. That’s why we should prefer Christians first and foremost. Who best to represent God’s desires than a follower of Jesus?
Here are just a few more points. Prayerfully consider what a candidate actually advocates, not just what the person says. Many wicked individuals hide behind rhetoric in an attempt to cover up what they really believe in. If a candidate claims to be “pro-choice” then you exercise your right by choosing someone else. Human life is a gift of God and MUST be non-negotiable. If you don’t agree then you better heeds Paul’s advice in 2 Corinthians 13:5 and examine yourself to see if you’re even in the faith.
Same goes for candidates who advocate for “gay marriage.” Homosexuals need to be told that their chosen lifestyle is an abomination to God. Voting for someone who wants to lie to homosexuals about their eternal destiny is unacceptable. The same goes for candidates who believe in raising taxes so they can give it away to their special interests. Candidates like that really think that government should be the great provider rather than God Himself. In essence, they’re attempting to usurp God’s glory by stealing from some to give to others. Avoid those men and women!
If you still can’t find a candidate to vote for -- and that does indeed happen -- then still go to the polls and write in “Jesus Christ.” I’m serious. What a testimony it would be if Christians actually stood up for Jesus in the voting booth and He actually won a few elections!
The bottom line is that Christians are bound by our faith in God to represent Him in every area of life, including the voting booth.
On Tuesday, get out and vote for godly candidates!