The Role of Government

The Role of Government
September 11, 2009

In 1930, there was one governmental worker for every 205 people; today the ratio is more like 1 to 5. What has happened? I believe it is partly due to the demise of Christian character. As character diminishes, government grows.

Today there is one dependent and one bureaucrat for every three working people. As this continues, the middle class will diminish. There's the very rich and the very poor.

What is the purpose of government? Read Romans 13. Government is here to protect, to punish evil doers, and to defend the land. Romans 13:3-4 says, "For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: 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."

But when you get the idea that government is not here to protect but to provide, then you're in difficulty. Our founding fathers knew this. One person wisely said, "We are in deep trouble when we look upon our government as a cow to be milked rather than a watchdog to be fed."

* Adrian Rogers provided this insight.