It is now two weeks since the federal election, and after a long campaign, we are all breathing a sigh of relief!
A new government is now in power, ready to enact the many promises it made for a better Australia. But what is a better Australia?
Is it full employment? A prosperous economy? New roads, hospitals and schools? While these things are most desirable and do make life more secure, comfortable and convenient, the Bible has a different definition of ‘a better Australia’…
Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin condemns any people. Proverbs 14:34
Australians may have placed a new government in power, but Paul explains:
‘…there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God’ Romans 13:1
and that the government is:
‘…God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.’ Romans 13:4
Peter makes a similar point in 1 Peter 2:13-14.
According to the Bible, restraining wrongdoing and promoting righteousness is the primary role of government. Honesty in speech and the media, integrity in business, impartiality in our law courts, compassionate, faithful, kind and forgiving community relationships…..these are the things first and foremost that will make for a better Australia.
The truth is that Australia will only become better when it submits to the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ!
– PHIL PRATT