But the people must also turn from their wicked ways too…..

            .

Introduction

It is great when we can use scriptures as a guide to live by, but it is disingenuous when some of us extract a verse and use it to demonstrate a point or to humiliate others.  There is frequent verse that is being used during election and when there is a lot of turmoil in the country and that verse is Proverbs 29:2 which states “when the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.”

I am not a biblical scholar, but I have a relationship with the Lord, and I can read and comprehend the bible. A lot of times, we associate Proverbs 29:2 with the political leaders of a country but I think this verse applies to more than our political leaders, I believe it also applies to anyone in authority such as parents, pastors, teachers, judges, business leaders and community leaders.

Too many times, we blame the political leaders for the mess we find ourselves in, but they alone are not the problem or the solution. We can have righteous people as political leaders but if the people they are serving are wicked and have turned from God, our land will not be healed. 2 Chronicles 7:14 states that “if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”

What does it mean to be righteous?

Righteous means to be in right standing with God. You will do those things that are pleasing and acceptable to God. You will do those things that are in line with the word of God. To be righteous does not mean you have to be a pastor, an elder, a bishop or a deacon. If you are in right standing with God, you are righteous. You do not have to tell people you are righteous, the life you live should reflect that. I don’t want to judge anyone, but the Bible says that not everyone that says Lord, Lord will enter the kingdom of God.

What do we mean by authority?

Authority means anyone in a position who can make decisions and influence others. Therefore, with that meaning, authority means more than the political leaders, it refers to me and you too. We are also responsible for some of the outcome that is taking place in the country.

Authority from the Church

God of course is the ultimate authority but many of us have been called to serve in various positions in the church. We must use our authority to spread the word of God. That is why those in authority in the church must be righteous. In my opinion, the church is more important and more relevant than the Government. The leaders in the church have a huge responsibility and must be righteous. There is a spiritual warfare taking place and demons appear to be loose in our land and through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the church can help us to overcome this spiritual. The church has a lot of authority because the authority of the church comes from God. The church must get out of the four walls and go to those places that need spiritual help. The church must be consistent in their outreach programs.

Authority from the Government

The Government has the authority to make laws and hopefully they will make laws that are not contrary to the word of God. Yes, we should have people who are righteous in Government.  However, having someone who is a Pastor on a ticket (By the way both political parties have a pastor on their ticket) does not make the party righteous. If you want to have a Righteous Government, then everyone that is running should be righteous.

Authority from the Family

The authority from the family is very critical to bring joy to a family and ultimately joy to society. The parents must use their authority in the upbringing of their children. The parents must step up to the roles and turn to God and be righteous. You cannot go wrong with being righteous. Do not ignore the signs of your children. Some of us are mourning today because we as parents did not do the right thing. Yes, I know some of you have done the right thing and the children have still gone astray but if you remain righteous, use your authority, continue to pray and lead by example, your children will turn around. Use your authority as parents to rule your children and teach them to do what is right.

Authority from the Business leaders

Our business leaders have a lot of authority in the community. People admire and look up to business leaders, especially if they are considered successful. Our business leaders need to be held accountable too. They need to do what is right and lead by example so that the employees can have joy in the workplace.

Authority from our Teachers

Our children spend so much time with the teachers. Students can be easily influenced by the teachers and so our teachers must be righteous. Nowadays, some of our teachers are straying away from the curriculum and teaching our children all sorts of stuff and we wonder sometimes why our students are the way they are. The teaching of religious education and the devotions in our schools must continue.

Authority from our Judges

The judicial system plays a very important role in our society and sometimes the judicial system appears biased and unjust. Our judges must be righteous and do what is right. We do not need any wicked judges.

The people must turn from their wicked ways

Despite having people in authority who are righteous, if the minds of some people are hardened against God and they do not repent, it will be a challenge for any society to be free from crimes and as a result we will continue to mourn.

Conclusion

I believe each of us is in an authoritative position, one way or the other. Are you living a righteous life so that the people can rejoice or are you ruling wickedly and as a result the people are mourning?

The solution to our crimes is not the British. It is not your political party despite the plans they say they must deal with crime.

The solution is for us to live a righteous life. If we live a righteous life, then we would not be in the position we are in.  Therefore, it is time we humble themselves, pray, seek the face of the Lord and turn from our wicked ways. When we do this, then we can say we are on way to having righteousness in authority which in turn will cause our people to rejoice and our country to be healed.