The Servant of Good

For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. (Romans 13:4)

In the days of Paul, public servants were generally wealthy businessmen who were expected to use their wealth and influence for the benefit of society. They were not paid to serve; it was an honor to be asked to be in those positions. They left behind legacies of infrastructure, generosity, and improvement in the cities and areas they served. Serving the public was not about personal gain, but rather it was about leaving a positive mark on the community. However, today's political landscape seems far removed from anything near this ideal. Many times, public servants accumulate wealth during their time in office, rather than using their positions to enrich the lives of those they are called to serve. This has led to a crisis of trust in the government.

The Greek word Paul used in Romans 13 for minister, diakonos, translates to servant. This verse reminds us that individuals in public office are intended to be servants of the people, serving for the greater good. He explains further that their fundamental role is to uphold justice. We entrust public servants with the power to enforce the law and to ensure that those who do evil face the consequences.

The duty of those in positions of authority is clear: to serve the people, uphold justice, and execute the law without prejudice. When these principles are upheld, society can thrive, and we can restore government trust.

As Christians, we are called to pray for our leaders, but we are also called to hold them accountable, ensuring that they fulfill their role as servants of the people and ministers of God for good. Vote, speak up, and stand for Biblical principles. In doing so, we contribute to a society where justice prevails, and the principles of fairness and equity guide our actions and decisions.