Daily Devotionals
Daily Devotional: Proverbs 16:11-15
Prov 16:11-15
A just balance and scales are the Lord’s; all the weights in the bag are his work. It is an abomination to kings to do evil, for the throne is established by righteousness. Righteous lips are the delight of a king, and he loves him who speaks what is right. A king’s wrath is a messenger of death, and a wise man will appease it. In the light of a king’s face there is life, and his favor is like the clouds that bring the spring rain.
Rom 13:3-4
For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, for he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer.
Government is designed by God to create and maintain order and peace among the citizens. For any government to exist, there must be rules. There are rules for those in charge and there are rules for the general population. It is in the original design of government that the rules be for the common good and that those in charge are working for the good of all the citizens of that country.
Are there governments that are evil? Are there rulers who are corrupt? Are there citizens who defy the rules and cause chaos? We all know that the answer to all of these questions is a resounding “yes”, but this does not change God’s purpose of government or rulers. God designed and intended that all people would live in such a way that we would live at peace and that all would want to do right.
How do you and I, as the children of God, deal with government that is corrupt or with those in charge when we think they are evil? In the words of Peter: “we must obey God rather than man”. It is our job to do what is right, even if others are not doing it. This means we show respect to those in authority because God put them there. Respect means we don’t speak evil of them or malign them. Respect means we follow the rules (unless they violate the laws of God). It is our place to be at peace with everyone, as much as we can control it. Love others as God loves us.
O Lord God, infinite in wisdom, all powerful and mighty, the only true and living God over all the earth. To you I give all glory and pray that my life will honor you in all that I do and all that I say. Use me to help others in their struggles, to always be an encourager to those around me, and to lift up the fallen. Instill in me a heart that looks for good and a persistently positive attitude. Thank you for the life you have given to me and for all the people you have put in my path. Guide the rulers of the nations that I may live a peaceful life. I pray in the name of Jesus.
Robert
