Without boundaries and borders, there would be chaos. There would be no order, nor would there be peace in the land. Each area of the world serves a purpose, yet each makes up part of the whole. This is not referring to isolationism, nor does it pertain to globalism. It is about God’s ordained governments.
Without our realizing it, governments do provide safety in the world’s system. God’s ultimate government will only be one, which is His kingdom. His kingdom is His original plan, hence, “Your kingdom come, Your will be done in earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10). Believers are already part of His kingdom. Our citizenship is in heaven, even though, we live on the earth (see Ephesians 2:6; Philippians 3:20). Essentially, our job is to disciple nations as well as individuals in nations (see Matthew 28:19; Mark 16:15). That is to influence them, so they emulate the Kingdom. That doesn’t mean we take over like some governments that have been overthrown in coups.
Even though Jesus made us kings and priests (see Revelation 1:6; 5:10), we do not take dominion over the lives of others. Instead, we rule by serving others well.
We submit to the authorities whom God placed us under as we would onto Him. Of course, that does not mean we would live or do anything contrary to His Word. There are boundaries which we can never cross. Disciples of Jesus Christ should be the most trustworthy people on the planet. We do see models of this in the lives of Joseph and the prophet Daniel (see Genesis 37-50, and the Book of Daniel).
In the world, borders and boundaries keep things in order; otherwise, there would be greater violence than what already exists. The Law was put into place for the lawless, disobedient, ungodly and the like (see 1 Timothy 1:9-10). Laws help protect the citizenry from the impulses of individuals who would do others great harm or even murder if they weren’t in place. Believers who walk in love would never consider such things (See Romans 13:10). Romans 13:1-5 Let every soul be subject to the higher authorities. For there is no authority but of God; the authorities that exist are ordained by God. So that the one resisting the authority resists the ordinance of God; and the ones who resist will receive judgment to themselves. For the rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the bad. And do you desire to be not afraid of the authority? Do the good, and you shall have praise from it. For it is a servant of God to you for good. For if you practice evil, be afraid, for it does not bear the sword in vain; for it is a servant of God, a revenger for wrath on him who does evil. Therefore, you must be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience’ sake. One of the things we learn in this passage is that those who live contrary to the ordinances of God should be afraid of those in authority. Those who do well should not have to fear because they are not doing things that merit punishment. Granted, there are unjust people who have misused their positions of authority. God will ultimately reckon with them, which means those who bear the sword need to take care in the way they rule. God takes a dim view of unjust and abusive governments. There are numerous examples of this found in Scripture.
Do you realize that by living godly lives, we actually promote peace in the land?
If we did more praying for others, and especially for those in authority, our nations in which we live would experience it on greater levels. We would see more justice prevail if we simply lived the way God ordained. On a personal level, you would have peace ruling far more in your heart than if you took up a political spirit. Prayers have greater influence than pickets. Love influences others more than berating them. Some in the Christian community would have more influence with those in government positions if they would stop publicly attacking them. If someone attacked you, would you want to listen to him? Do you have a tendency to shut people out who openly insult you? What makes some believers think government officials are going to listen to those who openly criticize them? Do we stand against injustice? Absolutely, we do! It’s a question of methodology. The most effective way to see change is doing it God’s way. Find out what that way is, and follow it. 1 Timothy 2:1-4 First of all, then, I exhort that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so 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 will have all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
