God Expects Good Government
God expects rulers, those in governmental positions of authority, to govern with justice, not injustice. They are to judge people rightly and are to prevent, not promote violence in the land. God will deal with wicked governments and wicked leaders, from presidents to dog catchers and everything in-between.
Justice—do you rulers know the meaning of the word? Do you judge the people fairly? No! You plot injustice in your hearts. You spread violence throughout the land. These wicked people are born sinners; even from birth they have lied and gone their own way. They spit venom like deadly snakes; they are like cobras that refuse to listen, ignoring the tunes of the snake charmers, no matter how skillfully they play. Break off their fangs, O God! Smash the jaws of these lions, O Lord! May they disappear like water into thirsty ground. Make their weapons useless in their hands. May they be like snails that dissolve into slime, like a stillborn child who will never see the sun. God will sweep them away, both young and old, faster than a pot heats over burning thorns. The godly will rejoice when they see injustice avenged. They will wash their feet in the blood of the wicked. Then at last everyone will say, “There truly is a reward for those who live for God; surely there is a God who judges justly here on earth.” Psalm 58:1-11 (New Living Translation, NLT)
In the United States, we have three branches of government in our federal system: the executive branch (president), the judicial branch (courts), and the legislative branch (congress). These branches are to serve as checks and balances of one another to maintain a righteously-run government of the people, by the people, and for the people. In other nations, leaders are to govern in righteousness, protecting and defending the rights of their citizens as well.
The structure of the United States government was established by our forefathers using the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, including the Bill of Rights. These documents are based on God’s Word, the Holy Bible. All forms of government answer to God, based on His Word and are accountable to the people that elected them (not by fraud or secret selection).
Anytime a government becomes a tyrant, the people have the right and responsibility to elect good, God-fearing people to put in its place. Government is to help, not hurt, its people. Government is to give and not take away from its people. Government is to protect the God-given rights of its people, not infringe on them. God has given all people the right to be blessed, happy, and free. God gave each person the freedom of choice, and no one has the right to steal the freedom and rights of others.
Good, godly government will protect, prosper, and help its citizens, providing a place of freedom and happiness based on God’s Word. Good government provides every person the ability to serve and worship God in freedom. Our legal system was based on God’s written Word and the laws are to be as well- so the people rejoice and so that everything done by the people and their government brings glory and honor to God.
When the godly are in authority, the people rejoice. But when the wicked are in power, they groan. Proverbs 29:2 (New Living Translation, NLT)
