“It is also not good to fine the righteous, Nor to strike the noble for their uprightness.”
Proverbs 17:26 AMP
We read today of the fate of those who would choose to live for Christ! Today, right has become wrong and wrong has become right. Man’s conscience is so guilt-ridden that he must make normality of sin. Those who are in office to protect the righteous or law-abiding citizens should never use their power to pervert or subvert the course of justice. Today we see decisions that affect millions of people based upon that which seems good to the legislator and not the general populace. `never for one moment should we think that God is blind to their actions! Many Pastors today have experienced the wrath of governments over the issues of righteousness. Like in the days of old when the prophets exposed the unrighteousness of the leaders, the righteous experienced the wrath of those hiding in their sin!
By God’s sovereign decree, presidents, kings, prime ministers, governors, police, and all other governmental authorities stand in His place for the preservation of society. The moral law of God is the only law of individuals and of nations, and nothing can be rightful government, but such as is established and administered with a view to its support. Paul addresses this issue in regard to everyone’s behavior.
“Let us conduct ourselves properly and honorably as in the [light of] day, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and irresponsibility, not in quarreling and jealousy. 14But clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for [nor even think about gratifying] the flesh in regard to its improper desires.”
Romans 13:13-14 AMP
I love this translation, “Let us conduct ourselves properly and honorably as in the light of day…” Walking in the light of God’s way isn’t easy. Each and every day we see the rough spots in our lives. The good news for us is that God’s mercy is new every morning. The Scripture tells us that,
“If we [freely] admit that we have sinned and confess our sins, He is faithful and just [true to His own nature and promises],and will forgive our sins and cleanse us continually from all unrighteousness [our wrongdoing, everything not in conformity with His will and purpose].”
1 John 1:9 AMP
Notice that it says if we “freely” admit that we have sinned. Here is the rub! Man does not want to admit that he is walking in rebellion. Rebellion is living according to the flesh as described in the above verse. It is living according to the wants, desires, and urges of the flesh. One must be careful of a life governed by the flesh. Remember the words of the Apostle Paul?
“For those who are living according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh [which gratify the body], but those who are living according to the Spirit, [set their minds on] the things of the Spirit [His will and purpose]. 6Now the mind of the flesh is death [both now and forever–because it pursues sin]; but the mind of the Spirit is life and peace [the spiritual well-being that comes from walking with God–both now and forever]; 7the mind of the flesh [with its sinful pursuits] is actively hostile to God. It does not submit itself to God’s law, since it cannot, 8and those who are in the flesh [living a life that caters to sinful appetites and impulses] cannot please God.”
Romans 8:5-8 AMP
Apart from the transformational power of the Gospel, true peace and righteousness cannot exist. The battle that rages every day is one of learning to surrender ourselves to Christ. Our response to the corruption in our leaders should be to pray! Yes, we should vote. Yes, we should organize. Yet if we do not fight this battle in the unseen world of heavenly principalities we will forever be jaded and confused as we watch our government totally disintegrate into a machine for unrighteousness! Have a prayerful day, Pastor Ken