Good Governance

It’s not easy being in government. One single decision can affect millions of lives. Therefore, we need to pray for our leaders and lift them up constantly in prayers, so that they can receive divine guidance on how to govern.

The Bible advises us to pray for our leaders. We also have to give them the respect that they deserve.

In 1 Timothy 2:1-4:

“Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” NKJV

In Romans 13:1-7:

“Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Therefore, whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same. For he is God’s minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil. Therefore, you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience’ sake. Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor. For because of this you also pay taxes, for they are God’s ministers attending continually to this very thing.” NKJV

Furthermore, we read in Ecclesiastes 8:2-8:

“I say, “Keep the king’s commandment for the sake of your oath to God. Do not be hasty to go from his presence. Do not take your stand for an evil thing, for he does whatever pleases him.” Where the word of a king is, there is power;And who may say to him, “What are you doing?” He who keeps his command will experience nothing harmful;And a wise man’s heart discerns both time and judgment, Because for every matter there is a time and judgment,Though the misery of man increases greatly. For he does not know what will happen;So who can tell him when it will occur? No one has power over the spirit to retain the spirit, and no one has power in the day of death. There is no release from that war, and wickedness will not deliver those who are given to it.” NKJV

Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ was a model citizen and fully obeyed the law. He paid taxes and did it in a unique way. He instructed Peter to pay his taxes with money he got from the mouth of a fish!

Talk about a “River bank!”

This account is found in Matthew 17:23-27:

“When they had come to Capernaum, those who received the temple tax came to Peter and said, “Does your Teacher not pay the temple tax?” He said, “Yes.” And when he had come into the house, Jesus anticipated him, saying, “What do you think, Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth take customs or taxes, from their sons or from strangers?” Peter said to Him, “From strangers.” Jesus said to him, “Then the sons are free. Nevertheless, lest we offend them, go to the sea, cast in a hook, and take the fish that comes up first. And when you have opened its mouth, you will find a piece of money; take that and give it to them for Me and you.” NKJV

Government officials also owe a duty to the people. They have the duty to protect and to give fair, just and equitable treatment to all, regardless of their tribe, race or culture.

In Psalm 72, we see some of these duties clearly spelt out. It is interesting that this Psalm was written by King Solomon, the wisest man that lived on earth. He at least knows one or two things about wisdom and governance.

In Psalm 72:1-5 and 12-14, King Solomon prayed like this:

“Give your love of justice to the king, O God, and righteousness to the king’s son. Help him judge your people in the right way; let the poor always be treated fairly. May the mountains yield prosperity for all, and may the hills be fruitful. Help him to defend the poor, to rescue the children of the needy, and to crush their oppressors. May they fear you as long as the sun shines, as long as the moon remains in the sky. Yes, forever!