What is the purpose of government? Most people today, including most Christians, believe government exists to meet the needs of its citizens. Scripture says otherwise. In Romans 13, when Paul directed the Roman Christians to be good citizens by obeying civil authorities, he explained that civil leaders affirm those who do right and punish evildoers. “Do you want to be unafraid of the authority?” Paul asked. “Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same” (v. 3). Peter echoed this principle in 1 Peter 2:13-14.
God established governments to promote and maintain order in society by punishing those who do wrong and honoring those who do right. This is not their only duty, but this task is primary.
What happens when a government fails to fulfill this responsibility? Especially in a constitutional republic such as ours, the citizens must call the government to account and seek to change its course. Will you participate in the political process to make sure our government does its duty before God? Will you become informed, speak up, and vote? Participation of Christians in the public policy debate is needed now more than ever!
Romans 13:1-7
1 Peter 2:13-17
Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture has been taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Copyright © 2015 by B. Nathaniel Sullivan. All Rights Reserved.