Righteousness Exalts a Nation
Some believe positive change in one’s nation requires having the right people in office. For the sake of argument, let’s say that premise is true. The question is, how do you get the right people? Where do you find them? A follow-on question would be, who defines the meaning of right or good? What kind of people will find their way into said offices, if the people of the nation are living unrighteously?
What if leadership is a reflection of the heart of the people? This is in an important consideration, especially when all authority comes from God (see Romans 13:1-7). In some instances, God seated rulers according to heart of the people. One example would be king Saul (1 Samuel 8:1-22). Israel demanded to have a king rule over them, so they could be like other nations. Essentially, they rejected God as their King. Even though God warned Israel through Samuel what manner of king he would, they still demanded to have such a one to rule over them. So, the Lord gave them over to their desires.
In some forms of government, the people have a say as to who will be in office. Granted, they don’t necessarily reflect everyone’s wishes, but they do reveal the heart of many. One could say, the election process is corrupt, so those seated in office may not represent the will of the people. Yet, it might. If the people live corruptly before God, corruption is sure to follow. More on that in a moment.
Proverbs 14:34 Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.
Clearly, righteousness exalts a nation. It is included in our day-to-day living. In reference to our needs, Jesus said, But seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you (Matthew 6:33). Everything falls into place, when we’re Kingdom-minded and walking in His righteousness.
When studying the Bible, you can find example after example of nations losing the blessings of God, because they chose wickedness over righteousness. Israel being a prime example.
Is Your House in Order?
Jesus made us kings and priests (see Revelation 1:6; 5:10 and 20:6). He has given us authority and called us to disciple nations. That means, while we may be few in number relatively speaking, we have great influence. Especially since, God and us make the majority, regardless of numbers. To be clear, Him alone is the Majority.
If we are lukewarm, our influence will be of little consequence. Lukewarm people limit Holy Spirit in leading them. Those living a duplicitous life should not be surprised when corruption invades society. Yes, pretending to be a disciple of Jesus, when one knows full well he or she is not, does more damage than good. One of the biggest accusations leveled at the Church is hypocrisy.
How can we expect our governmental houses to be in order, if ours are out of order? How can we get upset with officials when they cheat and compromise, if we are doing the same things? Think in terms on how God views things, versus our little rationalizations when we compromise the Word of God. It’s amusing how those in congregations will expect their pastors to live at a certain standard, when they themselves cannot, and will not live up to those standards themselves.
What if the government reflects the heart of Christians? The Bible gives many examples of people praying that God would fix things, while they themselves refuse to repent. How can we expect Him to place godly people in office, if we don’t live godly?
