Proverbs 15:27-28

²⁷ The greedy bring ruin to their households, but the one who hates bribes will live. ²⁸ The heart of the righteous weighs its answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil.

No Building Permit

Many church attendees assume that Christians should not be involved in politics. Yet, the greatest king of Israel was David. David was believer of God. I believe that if God called believers to join the government, they should prayerfully consider letting the light of the Lord shine through them in government office.

Now, if you were elected in a government office, what could be your priority project? Some elected government officials build structures to promote their names. There were structures in a particular city in Asia without building permits. A high structure was built on a sidewalk. Another structure was built on city park.

How could contractors build structures in the city sidewalk or city park without building permit? Did they bribe government officials to allow them? A city mayor had ordered demolition of building erected on sidewalks and parks. The mayor attempts to restore cleanliness in the city while critics may suggest that it is a waste of government fund to demolish those illegal structures.

Pedestrians were forced to walk on the city street when high structure was built on a sidewalk. The beauty of the city park where anyone can relax had been destroyed because some undesirable individuals build their dwellings there. If elected government officials allow parks and sidewalks to be used as dwellings for anybody, would that be fair to constituents who follow proper procedures?

Oftentimes, public figures are regularly scrutinized. Private individuals and sectors are not exempted from criticism also. Not so many people are interested in private business transactions but we cannot be very sure as Christians.

Let us seriously reflect on what it reminds us in Colossians 3:23-25.

²³Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, ²⁴since you know that you will receive an inheritance

from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. ²⁵Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for their wrongs, and there is no favoritism.

We should not be satisfied with good. We should work with all our hearts. How? We should do the best we can in whatever we do, wherever we’re situated. Anything we do is recorded by the Lord as basis for rewards he prepared in heaven. We should be more concerned to behave very well as Christians.

There’s always something different from your opinion you cannot agree with. When the city bus routes were reorganized, many commuters cannot smile. We should regularly pray that God grants wisdom to our government officials to be more responsible. Always be prayerful and not let anything ruin you day.

1. Ruin

²⁷ The greedy bring ruin to their households, but the one who hates bribes will live.

Most, if not all greedy politicians were captivated by graft and corruption.

When they are controlled by greed, government official will abuse their authority.

Somewhere around the world, there are political dynasties. “Political Dynasty” is a description of political clans (which include father, mother, children, and even extended relatives); they are actively involved in politics. Most of political dynasties are accused of ill-gotten wealth. They squander government funds.

Anyway, what are some great and wonderful things that the Living God prepared if we do our part in praying for the governing authorities regularly?

Praying for government authorities is urgent. It says in 1 Timothy 2:1-2,

“¹I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— ²for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” 

Praying for governing authorities results to peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. It did not say that we have peaceful city. No matter how sincere responsible authorities serve, people will always complain. But we can live peacefully and quietly despite confusion of reorganization of bus routes.

How do you interpret Romans 13:1? ¹Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.

Did God establish greedy politicians also so that we will do our duty of praying and interceding for the governing authorities? As responsible children of God, we ask him to bestow wisdom, dignity, and integrity to government officials, even church leaders, employers, school administrators and also parents.

Does it make a difference to a city or nation, if parents or guardians are bestowed with wisdom, dignity, and integrity? Parents, especially fathers, have undeniable influence in the lives of their children. Parents should think, ponder, and consider what biblical virtue is best to pass on to our children.

Rekabites

Trivia: Which Israelite family did not drink wine? Reflect on what the Lord declared about the Rekabites in Jeremiah 35:14, ¹⁴Jehonadab son of Rekab ordered his descendants not to drink wine and this command has been kept. To this day they do not drink wine, because they obey their forefather’s command.

The Lord instructed Jeremiah to inform the family of the Rekabites in Jeremiah 35:18-19, ¹⁸“You have obeyed the command of your forefather 

Jehonadab and have followed all his instructions and have done everything he ordered.” ¹⁹Therefore this is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says: ‘Jehonadab son of Rekab will never fail to have a descendant to serve me.’”

Have you ever received instruction from your ancestors that you continue to obey these days? What instruction do you plan to give your descendants?

What legacy do you supposed to leave for your descendants? Righteous children will certainly know which biblical legacy they want to follow. We need the inspiration of the Holy Spirit to be righteous before him in whatever we do.

2. Righteous

²⁸ The heart of the righteous weighs its answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil.

It is godly righteousness to ponder upon our words before speaking. It is natural tendency for humanity to respond quickly. When you think and ponder about how to respond, will concerned individuals patiently wait for your answer?

What is one question that most people asked you? “How are you?” Right?

And what do people commonly answers, “I’m good!”. Why? Are they really good?

Could quick answers like “I’m good!” imply that they have no interest of extended or deeper conversation? When you respond in a more specific manner, would it also suggests more intimate relationship? Of course, some people are concerned about our situation but not everyone who asked is truly concerned.

Have you met dishonest individuals who exploited your answer for their own agenda. So, when you want to elaborate your answer, be very mindful and think smartly. Before you respond, be smart to know if you can comfortably trust a particular person, unless you just don’t care to be misinterpreted or exposed.

Job

It narrated in Job 2:2-7, ²The Lord said to Satan, “Where have you come from?” Satan answered the Lord, “From roaming throughout the earth, going back and forth on it.” ³Then the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil. And he still maintains his integrity, though you incited me against him to ruin him without any reason.”

⁴“Skin for skin!” Satan replied. “A man will give all he has for his own life. ⁵But now stretch out your hand and strike his flesh and bones, and he will surely curse you to your face.” ⁶The Lord said to Satan, “Very well, then, he is in your hands; but you must spare his life.”

⁷So Satan went out from the presence of the Lord and afflicted Job with painful sores from the soles of his feet to the crown of his head.

Actually, Satan caused affliction of painful sores all over the body of Job the death of the children of Job and destruction of all properties of Job.

Sometimes, God allows us also to be situated in an environment where we may endure soreness or discomfort. And like Job, we should continue to trust that God allows even undesirable situations to strengthen our faith in him.

Faith in God is practically exhibited in righteousness. Can you accept that?

Always pray to be filled with the Holy Spirit to behave in godly righteousness.