As shown and can be expected, the next and final part of the 4 parts of government is built upon the previous three of Self-Government, Family Government, and Church Government. This one is Civil Government or the form most people think of when referring to the term government.

I promise to dig up all of the passages and post them here after Christmas, but in my haste and distraction of the trip I’m on and preparing for it, I forgot to jot down the references from the 2nd grade American Civics and History book. Sorry about that.

In any case, Civil Government is based on the election or appointing of leaders who have proven themselves in the Self-Government and Family Government steps. The standards for an elected official are nearly as steep as those for an overseer, elder or deacon as outlined in Part III. Why is a person of very high character required for an elected position in Civil Government?

The answer is obvious with just a little bit of thought. A civil servant or member of the civil government should tell the truth and be beyond reproach. They should not be for sale as that would compromise the civil government with corruption. The wisdom gathered from living a solid life demonstrating solid choices would be the grounds needed to be a trustworthy civil leader. From this, the civil government could be trusted and respected.

It goes without saying that most civil governments of today are a far cry from that with the depth of corruption at all levels and ignoring of the first step of Self-Government. The government of the USA was created with the primary focus on using the Bible as a reference for 38% of it. For 150 years with a fair share of mistakes included, the government of the USA held on to the Christian standards until the march until today gathered momentum. Instead of focusing on preserving the liberties of the individual by securing the rights of life, freedom, and prosperity or property and keeping the fruits of the individual’s labor, things have changed based on the whims of arrogance, greed, and juvenile wants. But I don’t want to take too much from my The Law book review.

Some will say that a good Christian should always obey the government as the Bible says all government is from God. These are the same ones who throw the term “render unto Caesar what is Caesar’s” line. The problem is both arguments are taking the Bible out of context and missing the main points. Those who throw those lines around should join an investigative Bible study or 10 so they can get their statements right.

This is the part I’ll need to look up later but it does hold. The Bible tells us to obey and respect government. However, it also gives us clear directions as to when we are not to obey the government. Quite simply, we are to not follow the government when it turns it back on the laws of God in favor of the laws and thoughts of men.

Thanks,

Anah

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