Day 329 - What Is A Government?

Lee McDowell Christian Ministries                         LMCM

Nacogdoches, Texas                                                           Gal. 2:20  KJV

Thoughts on Michael Wells’ teachings in My Weakness for His Strength - # 10

         

Michael’s book is available through:

Abiding Life Ministries International

Littleton, Colorado

(303) 972-0859       almi@abidinglife.com

It is the day after this year’s Election Day.  And many Christians are asking “how did he get re-elected?”  The answer is simple.  In America today (and it has been this way for 20-25 years at least), those who think 180 degrees from those with the Mind of Christ are equal in number, if not more so in the majority.  Couple that with the Christians who are thinking “carnal,” and you have the results we have seen.

DAY 329

What Is A Government?

Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. Therefore whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves. 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. --Romans 13:1-3

 

A just government has the moral authority from God to punish an unjust government. However, the passage can be confusing. As I write this I am in Nepal, where it is illegal to become a Christian, illegal to baptize, and illegal to preach. The Scriptural passage above was used by the Communists for years to manipulate Christians to come under their absolute authority via subjection. Rebellion against communism was said to be rebellion against God. As I have mentioned before, we Christians stand or fall by our definitions. What exactly is a “governing authority” that gets its authority from God? I have been in numerous countries where the “government” is nothing more than an organized crime mob imposing its wicked will upon the people. In some distorted way these crooks seek to decriminalize their behavior by seizing power and naming themselves “elected” officials. “Laws” that are passed are merely excuses to steal from the poor. “Taxes” are imposed to take even more; every angle is worked to take and take and take. The role of government in the Bible is to protect the people through laws that are of benefit to all, not to support a band of immoral thieves. Solomon is the greatest example of a governing authority that was established by God; he sought wisdom to help and guide the people. Punishment was meted out in the light of this wisdom. I do not think a criminal can demand subjection on the basis of having biblical authority to do so, when he does not fit the definition of a governing authority. Well, amen, I know many have had to suffer under such criminals. Though they are not true government and we are not bound as Christians to be in subjection to them, we are bound to love, pray for, and bless our enemies, as well as bless the criminal, give to them that ask, and go the second mile. However, the action taken is not out of compulsion from the belief that they are a government, but rather out of something much higher, the life of Christ within. 

(underlining is my emphasis)

Michael’s statement about the Communists is a perfect example that the Scriptures can be used to say anything for anybody when taken out of context, or out of their original truthful meanings.  And, unless Christians always stick to the foundational truths, there can easily be confusion.  Truth is: “Solomon is the greatest example of a governing authority that was established by God.”  He sought and received God’s wisdom, and acted wisely.  Is there ONE government in the world doing that today? 

A big question is: How does a country get from a “Solomon society” to a “godless society”?  (unless you believe that there is no such thing as a “godless society”…as in reality, either the country is “under God,” or “under man/humanism.”)  In today’s local paper there is an article written by a very astute man.  In it he says: “(America) Our Deviant Society.  …It’s the American people who are to blame (for our “lawlessness” and “unconstitutional actions”), for it is we who have lost our morality and our love, knowledge, and respect for our Constitution…”  There we have it.  It’s not God, but the people who are to blame.  Amen. Truth.  And especially God’s people.  Oh…I remember God saying something about that in 2 Chronicles 7:14.

So how do God’s people respond to a “not true government”?  (1.)  Evangelism.  To lead a person to Christ is to end with that person having the Mind of Christ.  Ask any Christian who was born again after 25 years of age:  Has your “wanter” changed?  Americans with “changed wanters” will act and vote differently than before.  (2.)  2 Chronicles 7:14.  While doing that, “love, pray for, and bless our enemies, as well as bless the criminal, give to them that ask, and go the second mile.”  Well, amen!

Yellow – VIP, Very Important Point               Red – GP, Greatest Promises

Turquoise – UR, Unfathomable Riches           Pink – PV, Priceless Victory

Lee McDowell Christian Ministries

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