Love Or Hate Them|God Appoints Government Officials For 5 Divine Duties

Leadership affects many areas of our lives. When a family, church, company, community or country has good leaders, people prosper but bad leaders make people suffer.

Every government leader has a great opportunity before him to make a great impact during his time in office. Sadly, some have no idea why they hold positions of authority, so they abuse their power and harm themselves and those they lead.

King Cyrus The Great

Here is what Isaiah prophesied about 150 years[1] before it came to pass;

“When I say of Cyrus, ‘He is my shepherd,’
he will certainly do as I say.
He will command, ‘Rebuild Jerusalem’;
he will say, ‘Restore the Temple.’” Isaiah 44:28

King Cyrus was not a Jew and didn’t know the God of the Jews, but God said he would become king of Persia and accomplish God’s purpose for the nation of Israel. He did exactly that as recorded in the book of Ezra.

This shows that God cares about the affairs of our nations and nothing happens without His knowledge.  And the countries each of us come from were ordained by God. (Acts 17:26)

That’s a great encouragement when things don’t make sense and we wonder whether we were born in the right country. God’s purposes always prevail.

“The Lord frustrates the plans of the nations
and thwarts all their schemes.
But the Lord’s plans stand firm forever;
his intentions can never be shaken.” Psalms 22:10-11

Who Appointments Government Leaders?

Whether a government official realizes it or not, he or she is in a position of authority because God “…controls the course of world events; he removes kings and sets up other kings…” Daniel 2:21

He may come to power by election, rebellion, revolution or birth but the ultimate decree is from above. He is a servant of God and if he knew it, he’d rule according to God’s guidelines.

“…For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God.” Romans 13:1

In fact, when God established leadership among the children of Israel, He called the leaders and judges of His people gods. Exodus 22:28 (KJV). They were meant to speak on behalf of God and their judgment was final.

Of the different levels of leadership from family leaders, community leaders, traditional leaders, organizational leaders and spiritual leaders, God has entrusted government leaders (Legislative, Executive and Judicial) with the highest authority in the land.

King Solomon says, “His (king’s) command is backed by great power. No one can resist or question it.” Ecclesiastes 8:4

Because God appoints leaders, they’ll account to Him on Judgement Day. Many desire to lead but don’t realize that leadership is a great responsibility. And those who are ill-equipped to lead negatively affect the lives of many.

The good news is that God rewards faithful, just and godly leaders with greater authority, in this life and in the life to come. He will say to them,

“Well done!…you are a good servant. You have been faithful with the little I entrusted to you, so you will be governor of ten cities as your reward.” Luke 19:17

And to evil leaders who exploit, steal and kill those they lead, God will judge and punish severely because they failed in their sacred duty of serving their people.

5 Divine Duties Of Government Officials

Because they’re appointed by God, their duties are sacred or divine. They’re directly accountable to God for everything they do.

“The authorities are God’s servants, sent for your own good…” Romans 13:4

#1: Punish Lawbreakers

“…They are God’s servants, sent for the very purpose of punishing those who do what is wrong.” Romans 13:4

Their mandate is to courageously fight and punish evil people – the corrupt, immoral, murderers, thieves, and those who take bribes, per the laws of the land.

When evil is not punished, people take it as a license to keep doing evil. (Ecclesiastes 8:11)

#2: Honor Good Citizens

“…Do what is right, and they will honor you.” Romans 13:3

They should support and defend those who stand for truth and promote men and women of integrity to positions of authority where they can bring positive change and lasting transformation.

#3: Speak For The Voiceless

“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, ensure justice for those being crushed. Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless and see that they get justice.” Proverbs 31:8&9.

They should ensure justice and fight for the rights of the poor, orphans, widows, and refugees.

#4: Serve The People

They should be good Samaritans who go about meeting the needs and solving the problems of the people they lead.

Great leaders do everything in their power to provide job opportunities, needed infrastructures, healthcare and education and by all means improve the living conditions and standards of their people.

Serving others is what makes someone great in the sight of God. (Luke 22:26)

#5: Be Great Examples

Every statement leaders make, and every action they take is under the scrutiny of the public eye, therefore, they should live up to the high standard befitting a leader.

In the end, people do what they see their leaders do, not what their leaders tell them.

Sadly, some leaders fail to live up to their duties. But their failure should not make us fail in our duties to them.

Our 3 Duty To The Government

#1: Submit To Their Authority

“Everyone must submit to governing authorities…so anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished.” Romans 13:1-2

Apostle Paul wrote these words when the early church was under cruel Roman emperors like Nero who persecuted Christians. He ordered them to be burnt, beheaded, beaten, crucified and torn apart by wild animals.[2]

Remember how David submitted to the authority of King Saul who was seeking to end his life? He got two chances to kill Saul, but he didn’t. He understood that the king was anointed by God and waited patiently for his turn to become king in God’s time and way.

We need to support government programs that build our nation. Most times we ask what the government can do for us yet we’re not making our contribution. Is there something you can do to help your government?

Submission to authorities means obeying the laws of the land in our work and business dealings. This duty is not always easy especially when we feel the laws are unjust or when others break them and get away with it but if everyone did as they please, a country will become ungovernable.

As Christians, we should NOT take up arms against the government because it always causes more harm than good. The destruction of fighting against governing authorities is far greater than any benefit it brings. I wonder if a country like Libya is better off without Gaddafi!

“Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the children of God!” (Matthew 5:9)

In the name of opposing governments, millions of people have died on the streets rioting, are rotting in prisons and many have died on battlefields. It’s unwise to take arms against governing authorities.

We should use legal channels to bring change or fight for justice. And when they can’t work or be resisted, we should rest our case and commit our cause to God. When people are oppressed, bribes are exchanged and injustice is rampant in the land, here is what the Bible says, “So those who are smart keep their mouths shut, for it is an evil time.” Amos 5:13

Silence sounds foolish but at times our voice won’t change anything. It takes divine courage to know when to speak and divine wisdom to know when to keep silent.

King Solomon says,

“My child, fear the Lord and the king.
Don’t associate with rebels,
for disaster will hit them suddenly.
Who knows what punishment will come
from the Lord and the king?” Proverbs 24:21-22

You may be wondering why God allows evil governments to come to power. I can’t say I know the full answer but it’s clear that in a fallen world, we don’t always get what we want. Sometimes we want better leaders yet we’re not leading better in our homes, churches, companies or communities.

And sometimes God allows certain leaders to come to power as a judgment because of the idolatry and immorality in the society.

It’s helpful to remember that those corrupt or unjust leaders we point a finger at don’t come from Mars or the Moon. They’re born among us and they’re our fathers, brothers, uncles, church members and tribesmen. Correct me if I’m wrong but I think some people who hate governments are jealous because their turn to enjoy the cake and privileges of government has not yet arrived. When they get to power, they may not be different from their predecessors. History often repeats itself.

When I observe the culture of our society today, I’m afraid most of us would not do better in government positions because we usually put our personal, family and friends’ interests first before those of the silent and suffering majority.

We buy or wish to own posh cars, build big houses, accumulate properties and other stuff at the expense of the poor, orphans and widows. Every man or woman is for themselves, and God is for us all. Selfishness and greed rule the world.

Check out this article: We’re Born Greedy|12 Dangers Of Desiring Riches First & Fast

But as Christians, our role is to trust God’s wisdom for giving us the government officials we have. After all, Jesus said His Kingdom is not of this world. We’re here to serve and be light and salt. One day Jesus will reign on earth and show the nations the true meaning of righteousness, peace and justice.

#2: Pay Taxes

“Pay your taxes, too, for these same reasons. For government workers need to be paid. They are serving God in what they do.” Romans 13:6

As a Christian, don’t look for ways to steal from the government, irrespective of how the tax money is managed. Do your duty first, and seek accountability later. Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, otherwise, you’ll be in trouble with God even before the revenue authorities catch up with you!

You can escape revenue authorities but you can’t escape God’s all-seeing eye!

That’s why we’re called to do everything unto the Lord, not man. We shall give an account to God, not the government. (Colossians 3:23-24)

#3: Pray For Government Officials

“Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.” 1 Timothy 2:2

We need to give thanks to God for our leaders and intercede for God to give them wisdom, strength and courage to do what is right.

As you know, it’s difficult to pray for someone you hate. It’s even more difficult to forgive them for the wrong they do to us. But Jesus commands us to love our enemies, pray for them and do good to them. (Matthew 5:44)

Check out this article; The 10 Conditions & 10 Hindrances Of Prayer|Not Every Prayer Is heard

In times when governing authorities are deliberately rebelling against God, we should not share in their evil deeds. Since God is the Supreme Ruler of the universe, our allegiance is to Him above all else. We obey God first, and government officials second!

Remember the story of Daniel who refused to stop praying and his friends who would rather face the fiery furnace than worship a statue. They respectfully refused to displease their heavenly King to please their earthly king.

The next time you see a government official, you’re looking at a servant of God. And if you ever have a chance to interact with any of them, gently remind them who they are and share this article with them.

They need to hear this,

“Fear the Lord and judge with integrity, for the Lord our God does not tolerate perverted justice, partiality, or the taking of bribes.”

…You must always act in the fear of the Lord, with faithfulness and an undivided heart.  Whenever a case comes to you from fellow citizens in an outlying town, whether a murder case or some other violation of God’s laws, commands, decrees, or regulations, you must warn them not to sin against the Lord, so that he will not be angry with you and them. Do this and you will not be guilty.

…Take courage as you fulfill your duties, and may the Lord be with those who do what is right.” (2 Chronicles 19:7-11)

On a final note, you can’t obey and submit to government authorities in your strength. It takes someone who is truly born again and who has learnt to submit to God first.

If you’re not sure whether you’re a child of God or struggle to live as a Christian, please take time to read this article; DID YOU BELIEVE THE TRUE GOSPEL?|Be Sure Of Your Eternal Destiny.

Thank you for reading this article. I welcome your comments and questions – as iron sharpens iron, let’s sharpen each other.

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Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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[1] https://christiancourier.com/articles/cyrus-the-great-in-biblical-prophecy

[2] Foxe’s Book of Martyrs. Available online for free.