There are kings of history who have won the affection and loyalty of their subjects because of their righteousness and compassion. King David of Israel was one such righteous king.

Because of abuses of their authority by some kings there has arisen in the past few hundred years a revolt against monarchy as a form of government. The peoples of the world, because of their desire for the freedom to pursue happiness and pleasure (not righteousness it may be noticed) have fought for and obtained various forms of democracy (self-government).

The goal of democracy is to achieve government by the people that will guarantee to individuals the opportunity for liberty and the pursuit of happiness. But in this wave of revolution against monarchy, righteousness—particularly the righteousness having to do with God's moral Nature, walking humbly by faith in God—is not prominent. It seldom is mentioned.

The Constitution of the United States of America is being interpreted to mean government must not be linked in any manner with faith in God. This is, of course, an abomination to the God of Heaven who is more interested in faith and righteousness than He is in the pursuit of human happiness and pleasure.

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. (Matthew 28:19,20)

Today, in democratic nations, much is being said about human rights. Virtually nothing is stated concerning the rights of God. Americans worship the rights of people and freedom of expression instead of God. This is the beginning of the great apostasy mentioned in the Scriptures (II Thessalonians 2:3).

Because God's chief desire for people is their correct relationship to Himself, not their life in the flesh nor their freedom from monarchy nor their pursuit of happiness nor their "rights," it can be seen that the efforts of people to govern themselves do not fulfill God's desires for the people whom He has created.

God never will defend and bless a government that does not support His will concerning the moral behavior of people. All the governments of the earth rule with God's consent and they are obligated to enforce His moral laws.

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. (Romans 13:3,4)

"Doeth evil" as judged by God's standards, as found in the Scriptures.

To be continued.