Is a Country Only as Good as Its Government?

Maybe you’ve heard the statement, “A country is only as good as its government!” This phrase has become a mantra for countries throughout South America, Africa, and the Middle East, during times of political unrest. Without strong governing authority, nations can spiral downward, sometimes sparking a revolution. Unfortunately, for many of these regions, revolutions frequently lead to more pain and sorrow. But what role does submission to the government play in this?

Many believe that when people participate in electing their leaders, some sense of order can be achieved. Yet, we’ve repeatedly witnessed situations where people elect leaders, only to turn against them soon after. This pattern occurs not only in distant regions but increasingly across the globe.

Submission to Government in the Western World

Historically, in the Western world, very few considered violently overthrowing political powers a solution. Most of us shrugged, complained a bit, and waited for the next election, hoping for a better leader. And yet, something has changed in recent years.

Over the last decade, political language in North America and Europe has become more intense and, at times, vicious. Even among those who would call themselves Christians. This calls into question whether our attitudes toward submission to government are weakening. And that deeply concerns me. I think it should concern all of us.

Don’t get me wrong—I’m not saying I agree with everything our governments are doing today. In fact, I dislike a lot of it. Too often I catch myself being drawn into the frustration and anger that seems to be plaguing the Western nations. But as a follower of Christ, my faith calls me to keep an important word in mind: submission.

How Should Christians Approach Submission to Government?

My conviction is that a submissive approach to government is the biblical model. It’s a faith-filled position, allowing God’s sovereignty to supersede my personal opinions (and frustrations).

As Paul writes in Romans 13:1 (ESV), “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.”

Some may say, “So you want to be a doormat for the government!” Absolutely not. In fact, everything inside me calls for the opposite! And maybe that’s what scares me most.

It doesn’t seem like the Holy Spirit is in the business of leading those rebellious thoughts and emotions that are stirring inside of me. Instead, it feels like my flesh, urging me toward revolution, whispering that I deserve better, that my worldview is the right one and should be followed.

Again, that scares me.

Trusting God’s Sovereignty While Submitting to Government

When we resist taking matters into our own hands and keep a godly perspective, we leave room for God to move, both within our leaders and among the people. The issue isn’t about trusting a political system—it’s about trusting God’s oversight of that system.

As Proverbs 21:1 (ESV) reminds us, “The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; he turns it wherever he will.”

A movement against the system can become a movement against God’s sovereign plan. Instead of overthrowing authorities, wouldn’t it be more faithful to pray fervently and vote wisely?

I’ve come to realize that our role as believers is to find that careful balance, in challenging authority through the appropriate channels and processes (like voting) while submitting to the outcomes in a way that honours God. All the while, seeking His wisdom in every action.

For more on how Christians should approach submission to government, check out the following articles on biblical government perspectives.

• The Biblical Significance of God’s Governing Authorities
• Did Paul Submit to the Government?
• Would You Prefer Emperor Nero Over Your Current Leader?

Join the Conversation; Share Your Thoughts

1. How do you balance submitting to the government and standing for your beliefs?
2. In what ways do you see God working through current political leaders?
3. How can we better pray for those in authority over us?