"Remind the believer's to SUBMIT TO THE GOVERNMENT and its officers. They should be obedient, always ready to do what is good."
The One Truth Today can be difficult to understand for many of us. If an election does not go our way and our candidate loses to an opponent we dislike, what does God want us to do! What if the new government is one that does not have the same ideas and attitudes that we hold near and dear? What if we believe that the new leaders will take our country down a path that will lead to destruction and a demoralizing of our citizens. They may want to increase our taxes and stifle descent. We may may believe that they will bring an end to civilization and our country as we know it. What if we can never recover? As believer's, what are we to do?
SUBMIT TO THE GOVERNMENT and its officers. That is pretty straightforward and a clear statement from the Word of God. We need to be reminded of this expectation of the Lord from time to time. We are to accept the elected officials and officers and accept and respect them. This is in contrast to doing what is evil. The Lord is in control of everything and He places those in authority over us. Sometimes if you turn you back on God as a country you should expect that God make turn His back on our country. Perhaps this is the Lord's way of awakening the electorate as to how important their vote and participation is. We have to remain upright and honorable and obedient, always ready to do what is good. We have to SUBMIT TO THE GOVERNMENT. Remember that even though the Emperor of Rome thought he was in control of his empire, in fact God called him to enforce a census in all the world that allowed Jesus Christ to be born in Bethlehem, just as the Word of God predicted.
We are not to slander or physically harm our rulers and officials. Do not quarrel with their representatives. After pointing out your position, that is in conformity with the Word of God, you will have a chance to vote and place a candidate of your choice at the next election. We should always be humble and gentle and righteous. Remember also that we are just pilgrims passing through this world and this is not your home. What occurs on a temporary basis here on earth is only for a moment. Look up for your redemption is drawing nigh. This king is not the King of Kings, this leader is not the Leader of Men, the Lord Jesus Christ. They have no control over your eternal soul or body. Even though your life is not perfect now, it will be for eternity. Remember, God wants you to SUBMIT TO THE GOVERNMENT until His return and then you will be a citizen of Heaven. Do not focus on the horizontal but concentrate on the vertical destination.
