Honouring The Common Good Of Society
Tuesday September 8, 2015
What joy for the nation whose God is the Lord, whose people he has chosen as his inheritance. Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished. (Psalm 33:12, Romans 13:1-2 NLT)
Throughout history individuals and nations have sought to create a society where everyone would have the opportunity to live responsibly in a culture that values virtue and honour. This was known as “the common good.” Around the world, governments enact or remove laws in the belief that those laws will cause the community to honour one another. However, individuals in today’s society seem to be on a collision course with government and appear to be more interested in their personal rights that in the common good. Why is this and how are we to live honourably in our community and our society?
The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; there is no one who does good. The Lord looks down from heaven on all mankind to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God. All have turned away, all have become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one. (Psalm 14:1-3 NIV)
Life without God does not lead to individuals or society honouring one another above themselves. Governments make laws that contradict God’s Word in the Bible. A nation that ignores God’s principles leads to a society where everyone does what is right in their own eyes. God has promised to help our government and our nation if we earnestly pray for a national turning away from wicked behaviour, and a turning back to honouring God and His ways. We need to be knowledgeable about God's Word and uphold God's truth by the way we live and behave towards others.
Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land (Matthew 6:33, 2 Chronicles 7:14 NLT)
A way of life that seeks to honour the common good in our society may not come easily. However, God assures us that if we seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, He will give us everything we need.
©2015 Partners in Hope
More information on this and other related topics @ www.partnersinhope.ca/resources
Audio for Honouring The Common Good Of Society
Recent Meditations
Giving Hope
Partners in Hope is supported wholly by our friends and community. We are thankful to everyone who partners with us to help bring hope to the discouraged, hurting, and hopeless.