What does God expect of the United States of America? This question must be clarified. What does God expect of the U.S. government? Well, the Bible says that Satan is in control of earthly governments, so God would expect evil and tyranny from all human forms of rulership.

I can hear the gasps from the audience now. How can you possibly say that America is controlled by the devil? Because over and over the Bible says it is so: 2 Co 4:4, 1 John 5:19, Rev 12:19.

So, where does that leave us, the citizens of this nation, the government of which is controlled by God’s adversary, the devil?

We must be very careful in how we view civic responsibilities. The Pharisees of Jesus’ day knew that well, so they asked him a question to try to get him to break the law, and speak out against the Roman government: “Is it lawful to pay tax to Caesar or not? Shall we pay, or shall we not pay?”

In answer he asked to see a Roman coin, and asked whose image and name were on the coin. Of course it was Caesar’s. Jesus’ answer was most profound and witty: “Pay back Caesar’s things to Caesar, but God’s things to God.” — Mark 12:14-17.

The first part of his answer is very simple; the second part is profound in its meaning. What is meant by paying back God’s things to God? What does God require of us as citizens of a nation, any nation? We must again look to God’s word for the answer.

A scribe asked Jesus what the greatest commandment was. Jesus replied, “The first is, ‘hear oh Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one; and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ The second is this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” — Mark 12:28-31.

All moral standards are wrapped up in these two rules — Nine of the 10 commandments: Worship of false gods, worship of idols, taking God’s name in vain, honoring of parents, killing, adultery, theft, lying, and jealous envy.

Nationalism is a religion in itself practiced by saluting flags (idols). Putting your faith in the government of any nation is putting faith in Satan’s system of rulership. Christians must follow a nation’s laws until they conflict with God’s laws. Military service is not required, for that would mean killing our fellow humans.

Our civic duties end there, when as stated by Peter: “We must obey God as ruler rather than men.” — Acts 5:29.

Russell E. Murphy Jr.

Fayetteville, Ga.

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