God and the Government

Day forty-three

I am so looking forward to today. I got to sleep in, there isn't anything major on the calendar, and I might actually get the rest I need to get rid of this cold! So I thanked the Lord for another day and asked Him to bless my body that I might overcome this illness and that I might use my time wisely.

I am studying Article of Faith 12 today:

We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.

When you study this Article of Faith you also end up studying Doctrine and Covenants section 134.  This section is a declaration of belief regarding governments and laws in general and was given to clear up any misunderstandings concerning the same.

So what do the scriptures have to say on this matter?  Here are some verses I found interesting:

Origin and Purpose of Governments
"We believe that governments were instituted of God for the benefit of man..." D&C 134:1

Being Subject to
"...be subject to principalities and powers and obey magistrates..." Titus 3:1

"Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake..." 1 Peter 2:13-14

Obeying, Honoring, and Sustaining
"...love the Lord and obey his voice..." Deut 30:20

"...to obey is better than sacrifice..." 1 Samuel 15:22

"Men are bound to sustain and uphold governments..." D&C 134:5

Divine Direction
"Pray for kings and all in authority..." 1 Timothy 2:1-2

"Have just men to be your kings..." Mosiah 23:8

"Do your business by the vote of the people..." Mosiah 29:26

In the scriptures we read of times when the people were led by good governments and bad governments. The key to the good governments was that they kept God in the process from the very beginning.  The leaders sought God's input before making decisions and they taught the people to be obedient to God's laws.  We could use some more of that today!

So what do you do if you find yourself being governed in a way not consistent with God's way?

Elder James E. Talmage explained:  "...It is not required of them to suffer without protest imposition by lawless persecutors, or through the operations of unjust laws; but their protests should be offered in legal and proper order." (Articles of Faith, 423)

This study session didn't really provide a lot of new information on this subject, but it did remind me of how important it is to keep God in the government.  It also made it clear that I am to be actively involved in what is going on in the governments of the world, whether it be through prayer, research, or legal protest, I need to be involved.  I hope you will too!