Obey the Government? #95
By Joseph Prescia
9/22/03
Some politicians are dishonestly using the Word of God for political gain. They are saying that we Bible believers should obey the government, and yet at the same time are saying we need to keep a separation of church and state. Which is it? Power hungry politicians have a hard time making up their mind on what is truth. They quote Romans 13:1ff to promote their cause. One Bible translation (Phillips) renders Romans 13:1, as “Everyone ought to obey the civil authorities, for all legitimate authority is derived from God’s authority...” The word “legitimate” makes the authority more distinctive. Some politicians believe they have permission from God to do whatever they want without a moral compass like the Bible to guide them. If the Bible has given them authority to be there, then it is imperative that the Bible is read and understood to obtain accurate Divine guidance.
Some politicians are saying that we need to pay more taxes to help the poor because that’s what Jesus would want. If they want to accurately quote the Scriptures then they should look at Thessalonians, “if any would not work, neither should he eat” (II Thessalonians 3:10). Why don’t they quote this verse when they are thinking of expanding social programs for those who refuse to work? Jesus said, “the poor you will always have with you (Matthew 26:11-NIV).” So nothing man does (higher taxes, free rides) is going to change that. Why? Because there will always be those who don’t try as hard, who are lazy, and who ride on the believing success of others. The Bible confirms again and again that people should get what they produce with their own hands (Proverbs 13:11, 21:25, Proverbs 24:12, Matthew 10:10, Luke 10:7, I Corinthians 4:12, I Thessalonians 4:11,12)!
Governor Gray Davis of California, a Democrat, feels the need to raise taxes to help the poor. Governor Riley of Alabama, a Republican, proposes tax increases. He told the Birmingham News, “Jesus says one of our missions is to take care of the least among us. We’ve got to take care of the poor.” Chapter and verse Governor. If the Governor is going to speak for Jesus, then the governor should also proclaim the rest of the message of deliverance from the Word of God. It is dishonest to partially quote Scripture out of context, especially for personal gain. Jesus never said what the governor said, nor did Jesus promote social programs. Jesus’ one and only purpose was to do the will of God by teaching the Word of God (Matthew 4:4). If the governor is going to speak for Jesus in one area then he needs to speak the whole message, otherwise he risks being a hypocrite. The governor needs to share on how to get saved, how to heal the sick, teach the kingdom of God and His righteousness. Then and only then will all these other things (social issues) be added unto us (Mat 6:19ff).
Jesus said that there are two commandments as law. First, we are to love God with our whole heart, soul and mind. Secondly we are to love our neighbor as ourself (Matthew 22:37-40). Also, we are to pray for the government (I Timothy 2:1,2) so that we can lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. Obey the government? Yes, but only to a degree. People have to decide before God how much they are willing to tolerate of excessive taxation, judges usurping authority over our Constitution, excessive legislation and the suppressing of Christians for the advancement of socialism and political careers. It’s interesting to note that these politicians are not citing exact Scriptures but are generalizing based upon their own religious views. Religious views change according to personal taste, but the Word of God is solid. God does not change (Malachi 3:6). The Word of God must be accurately studied and applied in order to move in any direction and to be right with God. |
