From the Pulpit: God established government – for your good

When the governing authorities accomplish what God intended them to accomplish, give thanks! 

Did you know that the Scriptures speak about the governing authorities and their purpose in the world? The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Romans said, “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… For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good.” (Romans 13:1,4) 

God has established the governing authorities and he has established them for your good. They are intended to be blessings. They are God’s servants who punish those who do wrong and reward those who do right. (Romans 13:3) They maintain safety, security, and peace within a society. 

What a blessing! We want to live in a society that is safe, secure, and peaceful. We want to live in a country that is orderly. Couldn’t we just enact Paul’s picture of society here? A society like this would certainly flourish. 

It is interesting then to consider the context in which the Apostle Paul wrote these words. He was living in a Roman Empire that was particularly brutal to Christians – carrying out persecutions and even eventually executing Paul. Those were Paul’s governing authorities. And he is still encouraging Christians to pay taxes, to give respect, and to honor the authorities as God’s servants. 

So, whether your candidate wins this election season or not, whether the United States flourishes or falters, God is the one who is sovereign over all of it. The governing authorities are still subject to him. And God will accomplish his good purposes. Trust in him. 

Additionally, give thanks to God when the governing authorities function in the way God intended – providing safety, security, and peace for people. 

When the governing authorities don’t operate as God intended, encourage, exhort, and correct them to do their duty, but do so with the respect, knowing that (whether they know it or not) they are God’s servants. 

Pray for your governing authorities. Pray that they would govern with wisdom. Pray that they would always recognize that they are subject to God.