MORALITY IN GOVERNMENT

A worldwide crisis.

The story of Solomon’s three biggest problems can be read in 1Kings 11:1-6, they were: overspending, excessive taxation and his desire for women, which led him away from worshiping God. Things haven’t changed much. We often find the same weaknesses in leaders today: the love of money and the ardent pursuit of extramarital relationships.

These sins have brought declining respect for government employees and governmental institutions themselves. But leaders have only themselves to blame. Rather than admit their sins and repent, they blame political opponents or point to the fact that virtually every leader has had similar problems.

Such excuses are meaningless. God holds each person responsible for his actions. We are tempted by the same temptations common to humanity. If some in society manage to control themselves, then all can.

But, after all the chaos everywhere in the world and the corruption in its governments, there is good news of the perfect government that is coming. The Bible predicts a time when the world will at last live under a perfect government, where bribery, corruption and sex scandals will be unknown. This prophesied era will see real justice when nations abide by God’s code of morality, living by His laws. This will bring fairness and righteousness for all people under ethical laws and government. The event that will usher in this time will be the second coming of Jesus Christ, who will return to earth to establish His righteous rule over the nations.

Speaking of this era, Jeremiah 23:5 foretells a time when,

“ 'The days are coming', declares the Lord, 'when I will raise up to David a righteous Branch, a King (Jesus Christ), who will reign wisely and do what is just and right in the land' ".

Another translation says that "He shall reign and prosper, and execute judgment and righteousness in the earth.”

This does not mean government cannot improve now. Beneficent ruler-ship requires moral guidance and a willingness to accept a standard code of sound values that has a proven record of effectiveness. The Bible has withstood the test of time, but few national leaders are willing to embrace the godly morality it teaches.

The wisdom of God's Word is widely available. His laws have been in effect since the beginning of time. Breaking those laws leads to suffering and the many social ills we see around us. But, when people live by them, they reap the results of good rewards.

Future generations will look back at this point in history and recognise it as another chapter in mankind's failure to govern itself. Humanity must realise that on its own it cannot solve the problems of the government, agriculture, industry, education, family, health and personal relationships. The Bible reveals that, with mankind on the brink of self-destruction, Jesus Christ will return to solve these problems and show man how to live by establishing God's Kingdom on earth.