God's Voice In America

There is an oft-quoted chapter in the Bible that is used in conjunction with Christians and the politics of our society. It is found in Romans 13, and the first 7 verses (these are most quoted) tell us more than most people think; 

"1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God." 

This statement is foundational because it illustrates that God has set up those things, which governs us. Note however that it says be subject to, but doesn't say SLAVES to the higher power. 

All republics, by consensus, have checks and balance EMBEDDED INTO THE VERY FABRIC OF THE GOVERNING PRINCIPLES OF THE REPUBLIC. This allows for the average citizen to redress wrongs, protect their rights, AND influence their government to reflect the acceptable manner our society is to be ruled. 

In this it allows for CHANGE. Remember that.

Because of this foundational principle of governance, it invalidates the thought that we, as Christians, and as components of society as whole, have to accept any and all laws, mandates, and other various mechanisms of state, WITHOUT RECOURSE. This is a false teaching, and many Christians have the attitude of not voting their conscience, or their beliefs, because of the much quoted "you can't legislate morality". 

This is wrong. I used to be in that camp and have learned otherwise THROUGH GOD'S WORD. 

In other words, you must and should, as Christians, work within the framework of the government. But it is this selfsame framework that establishes the right to change our government. And as a side issue, and another thought to ponder, when governments step outside of their God ordained right to rule, then you have another set of rules entirely. 

But that discussion is for another day. 

"2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation." 

This is talking about lawlessness. When you have an established set of rules, sanctioned by the people, through the ordination of God and you rebel against those things, you are truly rebelling against God. 

It is like driving down the wrong lane of a freeway. Though the lane is clearly marked, is established in use, and is protected by laws of civil society, you can always decide not to follow the "right use" of that lane. But doing so you put yourself at risk physically, you put others at risk (also physically), and you have broken the law. 

God is a God of order, and His Laws, Promises, and Grace, are a reflection of that order, even into our civil law system itself. Violations of those laws have direct and well-defined consequences. 

"3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? Do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same" 

This is a telling point in this discussion. 

We must work within well-defined rules in order to affect change. Lawless, as stated above, simply takes us outside the very system we are striving to change, and puts us squarely in the bulleseye of the government's policing forces. So this rules out civil disobedience, violent actions, and other divisive and radical methods the world uses to try and effect societal changes. 

We must do all things in due order and within the system. 

"4 For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil." 

This is fairly self-explanatory and has been covered in the previous paragraphs. However, I would like to reinforce a thought here, there is no excuse for sinning, personally, collectively or societally. God is clear on this point, and does not leave room, or leeway, to do otherwise. 

"5 Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake." 

Here we are talking about society building, as well as the most obvious after all the discussion beforehand. Societies are not reflective of their highest standards, but by the lowest standards. It is a bottom-to-top culture. Our governance is reflected by the lowest common denominator of human motives. 

It is truly said, that power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely. 

Governance, and all the ancillary bureaucracies affiliated with that governance, is all about power. Power to govern, power to influence, power to change and power to establish cultural and societal rules of obedience. Heady stuff, indeed! 

But why did I put this here concerning society building? Well, we must understand that in order change government, we must by definition change society. A godless society does not elect a godly government. We must take action proactively at the roots of our system. 

It is interesting to note that this is NOT a new thought. Humanist Secularists have understood this from the beginning. 

First you infiltrate the school so you can program the next up and coming generation that will influence society and government. 

Second you must infiltrate and control all information sources (does anyone here believe that the news media is still and unbiased source of information?). 

Third to promote a worldly viewpoint (godless relativism) towards all that is decent and wholesome. And last you must take the reigns of control at every level of governance. 

So what you see is a well thought out strategy to suborn (to induce a person (or society) to commit an unlawful or evil act) within the foundational structures of society itself. Education, Information, Culture and Government. It will always work except for one caveat—God! 

We as God's children are substantive and major roadblock to the adversaries of proper governance. Why? Because the very fabric of our government is based on Judeo-Christian principles. In order to change government (hence power and control) you must first nullify Christianity. 

Have you ever noticed that Islam, and other non-Christian religions are NOT under fire, ONLY Christianity? A telling point. Secularists are not ignorant of the power of Christianity, and we as Christians, must not be either. We CAN and MUST effect change, at every level of society, culture, education and yes, government. 

It is not about building a Christian society (which is the rallying cry of the godless in their attack against God), but building a viable and wholesome society that is healthy and sustaining and able to guarantee those unalienable rights established in our founding documents of our government. 

"6 For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. 7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour." 

The last two are tied together. And in a healthy and wholesome society we must not only support our government, but also honor those who govern. It is in reality, honoring God. 

But also realize that tribute doesn't always mean money, honor or deference, sometimes tribute means action against what is wrong and dishonorable.  

Because, above all else, we pay tribute to God. If anything tries to mitigate our faith, to strip us of our God-given rights, or to try to force us to abandon our Christianity, we must act to resist such evil. First within the structure of government, but if that fails, in the dismantling of that selfsame government. Why? 

Because God does NOT ordain ANYTHING that stands between Him and His children. 

We must first remember that God is above ALL things, which was stated at the beginning of this chapter of Romans, and it is He who is FIRST in all things. Anything that stands between us and God IS NOT OF GOD! Whether it be government, foreign interests, society at large, or your next door neighbor. 

In that we have a sure and clear understanding of how we should live, and act, in our society. God is never nullified in that which God has established, but rather the foundational structure upon which all is built upon. 

In the end, we must always support our government, obey its laws and protect its sovereignty. But more than that, we as Christians, must build a society of hope, justice, equality and honor at every level. This will effect change, rebuild and renew our society, and in the end, bring our government back to;   

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed..."   

God bless America.