Punish Evil & Protect Good:

The Role of Government or Civil Authorities in Society

There are many subjects that are controversial today. Perhaps at the top of the list is, "What is the role of government in society?" How someone answers this question will impact how they see political parties, politicians, local and national concerns. Because there is so much division, anger and hostility today...learning what the proper role of government is would be imperative in building unity, peace and a common vision here in our own nation!

As citizens of America our largest governmental concern should be right here in our own homeland! Developing a keen awareness of other nations in the world is significant to our national defense, knowing who our allies are and much more. However, if we do not know our own landscape...we are already behind the curve. Just like every family should protect their own home and live with the traditions and values the family leadership has set...we, too, must protect our own homeland - with its traditions and values!

First, how did our own government come into being and is it worth protecting? It should not be any surprise that the founders of the United States of America had a plan and a purpose for this nation. Even before 1776 the men and women that were aboard the Mayflower in 1620 wrote a compact before they stepped foot on land in the New World. The following statement declared their purpose, "for the glory of God and the advancement of the Christian faith." Colonies in America were begun with the hope of building communities that were free to serve God, work hard, reap harvests, love one another and see the church and communities grow as God blessed.

As you have heard before, our founding documents (The Declaration of Independence, The Constitution of the United States and the Bill of Rights) were written by approximately 250 men - 90% of whom were Christian. Many of those 90% were trained/educated ministers of the gospel of Jesus Christ. The content of their writings, declarations, inventions; the energy and efforts behind the churches, hospitals and universities - all prove the fact that our forefathers were intentional about their Christian faith, family and freedom.

As a result, when our government was set up...it was set up with biblical purposes and principles. So, what does the Bible say about government? 1 Peter 2 ("submit to authorities, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right") and Romans 13 ("For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong...do what is right and you will be commended. For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer") are passages that deal directly with the purpose of government. Fortunately, God gives us a clear vision for what purpose our civil authorities hold: Punish evil and protect good. Government's primary purpose is to protect its own citizens. Why? So, those citizens may safely go about their business of building businesses, homes, churches, schools and communities.

Families and neighborhoods are able to flourish in an environment where good is rewarded and evil is restrained. If not, evil goes unrestrained...homes and neighborhoods are destroyed. Where good is rewarded and evil is restrained - our families are safe to be fruitful and multiply just as God commissioned. This is God's plan for a healthy and self-sustaining culture.

On the contrary, where evil is rewarded there exists chaos. If good is punished...that culture is turned upside down. Individuals and families then live in a state of confusion, tragedy and more. The genesis of our nation included following God's plan for our faith, our families and our freedom! The Lord provided commands, guidelines and restraints that allow a nation to be upright and blessed. For nearly 250 years America lived as close to those principles as any nation in the world. Punishing evil and protecting good is paramount in keeping a society healthy - this is the primary role of the government!

Second, how do we stay on the right path or get back on the right path? What should people do to help themselves and their neighbors know and understand God' purpose for government? These are good questions and worth our looking into!

To begin with, become acquainted with our American history. Get to know our founding fathers. Investigate the values and virtues they lived by. Celebrate our nation's history...especially when you identify where God protected and preserved us. It is worth your valuable time to fall in love with this great nation...again! Ours is a culture worth keeping and a properly (not perfect) functioning government will help us and our future generations.

Next, teach your children! Help your sons and daughters know the heroes of our nation and of the Christian faith. Assist them in discovering the marvelous adventures of their ancestors. Help them to never see themselves as victims. Additionally, teach them that the government does not exist to be their savior or rescuer. Teach your children the commands of God. Teach them the sin of man, the grace of God and salvation that comes by faith in Christ as Lord and Savior.

This will help them when you teach them the true role of government. This is important. The more people see government as their rescuer...the larger that government becomes! The larger a government becomes the more difficult it is to slow it down and reduce it back down to size.

So, dear friend, read the Scripture! Not just 1 Peter 2 and Romans 13, but all the good news. Become a theologian. Know the ways and will of God. Let the Word of God penetrate your heart. Allow His grace and mercy to teach you how to be a citizen of heaven and a citizen of this nation.

Christians are just sojourners on this land! Yet, we must live appropriately while here on this earth. God has given us the biblical blueprint for good living. The Scripture has already provided a foundation for how to live in this world - whether things are going well or whether we are living under in pain or under persecution.

Vote for people who honor God's principles. Support those in government who uphold values and virtues that God has blesses. The Bible teaches us that, "Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord." Therefore, do not affirm politicians who vote and live in a manner that is antithetical to God's will. We are not an island to ourselves. So, when we vote for someone or affirm their position...we are impacting others!

A pastor must love the church...or, he should be disqualified from being a pastor. A coach must love his/her team...or, he/she should be disqualified from being a coach. A politician must love his/her country and its fundamental values...or, he/she should be disqualified from being a politician. It's really not rocket science. We should keep it simple!

We live in a sinful world. God has provided restraints like the individual conscience (personal), the family (relational) and the church (spiritual) in our society. Government is our societal restraint. How is it our societal restraint? It exists to punish evil and protect good! This foundational truth is essential to a safe society and culture. It is non-negotiable for personal and collective health in America. It's not complicated. Please, do not make it more complicated. Simple truths lead to healthy homes, neighborhoods, cities, states and nations. As for me and my house? We will serve the Lord! How about you?

Bruce