I am aware of the viciousness of some of the kings and emperors of history. They were self-driven if not demon-driven. While the royal courts were filled with selfish ambition and immorality, and the religious prelates were often involved in such lawless behavior, the laws of the land imposed harsh penalties on any misconduct on the part of the majority of the subjects of the kingdom.

Paul, in the above passage, was saying the authority invested in the emperor of Rome was instituted by the Lord. Think about this! We know some of the Roman emperors were fiendish. But we must be very careful when we come against authority, just as David was very careful in his dealings with Saul.

God always works in terms of authority, so when we emphasize government by the people we are, without realizing it, leading the way to lawlessness. The philosophy of democracy can lead us out of political bondage and into spiritual slavery.

We in America talk about democracy and there are numerous social and political freedoms we enjoy. Thank God! But in our day the government is not being run by the will of the people but by skillful political maneuvering. Those with the money and the power exercise their will. At times one could wish for a strong, righteous king who would straighten out some of the abominations taking place. Well, One is coming!

I guess I am writing for the future. The great evil that we Christians are facing is not totalitarian government. Christianity can thrive under that. The danger is the rise of self-centeredness. Christians are not accustomed to the enemy coming in the guise of a friend who is ready to help them express themselves.

Let me say there is only one protection against the deceptions of the last days. That protection is to take your place with Jesus Christ on the cross. Reckon yourself dead with Christ and risen with Christ. Each day determine that you will carry the cross you have been given, you will remain in the prison where you are until the Lord delivers you.

Flee from the current emphasis on your rights, what you deserve, how you are supposed to be happy all the time. Present your body a living sacrifice. Invite the Lord Jesus into your personality as supreme Lord. Think of yourself as His slave, ready to do His will cheerfully and without hesitation.

Do not look to Jesus to make you happy or successful. Look to Jesus to guide you in His way, being content with whatever role He assigns you; in whatever place He puts you.

God was not made for your pleasure. You were made for God's pleasure. Whether you are happy or sad is not the major issue. The major issue is whether you are pleasing God.

Antichrist and the philosophy of democracy will never understand that human beings must become the slaves of Jesus Christ. Satan and Antichrist want to be like Christ, to have the power of Christ, but they want to remain in control of their own path in life.

You are not called to be in control of your own way. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths.

To be continued.