Government

Trained in God’s Family Business

Dr. Mike 2025 , , , , ,

And he said to them, “Therefore every scribe who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven is like a master of a house, who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old.”   Matthew 13:52

During my career, I had the opportunity to meet key leaders of various businesses. Some of them inherited their companies from parents and grandparents. But each had a similar story to tell. They all would state nothing was given to them without a heavy cost of lessons learned along the way. Their stories showcased the work ethic and discipline they faced each day. They learned the business from the bottom-up.

I changed their names, but the situations are accurate.

Adam started working in his dad’s company the summer he turned sixteen. He was shy, reserved, and quiet. His dad gave me the honors to find something for him to do in the accounting department. We tried him in various roles until we discovered he was a natural working with spreadsheets. Today he is the president and owner of this major national real estate company.

Robert graduated from U of M with a degree in business. His father owned a large national investment company. Instead of bringing him into the company, dad worked out a deal with his son. The son would have a small, closet size office within his organization but not work for him. Instead, his son started his own company. A one-person operation. Dad would only support him with advice and counseling when asked. He drew no salary and lived on what he made. Over the next several years, he learned the trade from the bottom-up. He was the receptionist, janitor, accountant, sales manager, and CEO. The long days and hard work paid off over time. Today he is the CEO of his company which is the largest private-owner in the industry.

There are dozens more examples I could share with you. They all have one common theme. They all took the opportunity in front of them and paid their dues. They learned and grew in preparation of leadership. They all knew when starting out they were not ready to seize the mantle of running the company. But they also knew as they mastered the material in front of them, they would one day be ready for the CEO role. They all started at the bottom of the ladder and worked their way up.

Is not that the same for us Christ-followers? God’s Kingdom is Father-Son-Spirit’s family business. Today, HIS disciples are being prepared to lead and serve under the umbrella of God’s Kingdom on earth today. We learn to govern ourselves. To serve others. And produce good work for the glory of God. We do so knowingly we are being trained for greater responsibilities into eternity (Rev 5:10). The work may seem small in our eyes at the moment. But those little tasks and small choices build upon each other into larger tasks and choices (Matt 25:21).

I always enjoyed Dallas Willard’s line, “Christ-followers are being trained to reign.” Genesis one and the last chapter of Revelation reveals this mandate for humanity. God wants life to flourish and humanity to govern the earth. As we operate under the Kingdom of God, God’s family business, the more we experience the treasures of HIS domain.

Yes, life is a learning process preparing one for eternity with Jesus. We all start somewhere at the bottom. But we all have a chair waiting for us at the table with Jesus in HIS family business. So, let’s roll up our sleeves, put forth the effort, and allow God’s grace cover us as we learn the family business.

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Faith-Integrator, Encourager, Scribbler

“We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,” (Colossians 1:9)

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Role of Government

Dr. Mike 2024 , , ,

Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.   Isaiah 9:7

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Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; steadfast love and faithfulness go before you.   Psalm 89:14

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Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.   Matthew 6:10

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Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.   Matthew 25:34

Most governments operate from a top-down sphere. Those at the top exercise lordship. They control others to produce the end result they desire. God’s government though operates differently. HE works through the hearts of all. God unleashes the individual to serve others. The govern lead by following the Spirit that resides in them.

Today’s government bureaucrats design systems to benefit themselves rather than the citizen. Visit any DMV and notice how the center of their operations are the employees, not the citizen. Policies are established for the employee sake, not the citizen. When one enters the room, one quickly recognizes the bureaucracy of the process. The citizen is expected to jump through all the hoops to make it easier for the government employee.

Likewise, standards are established for the masses. But if you are a privileged person, you get preferred treatment. Everyone must follow the rules except those who they determine don’t have too. Justice is now determined by those in power.  Those citizens who don’t agree with their viewpoint are treated as second-class peons.

As a society, we have murdered the concept of justice and righteousness. We ignore the Creator’s instructions for human relationships and governmental operations. The end result is people suffer. When a society loses sight of the government’s primary purpose, the people always suffer.

Those in power pursue ambitions rather than altruistic service to their fellow citizens. Again, they have thrown out God’s instructions of leadership. In its place, they follow principles of lordship.

If they knew God, they would see the beauty of HIS ways. They would recognize the importance of justice and righteousness for all. They would be committed to serve their fellow citizens in love and faithfulness. They would seek what is best for all rather than reward their personal donors. They would not make exceptions that would only benefit a few. Justice would be blind. The same rule would apply to the rich and poor. The formally educated or uneducated. The right extremist and well as the left ones. The liberal and the conservative. Everyone would abide by the same standards.

This is how God’s government operates. Everyone is included under Jesus Christ. He is King. His word and purpose is the standard of righteousness and justice. As we follow HIM, he shares HIS Spirit within us. We follow the lead of the Holy Spirit. There are very few rules and laws to follow in God’s Kingdom. Everyone is treated with love and respect. Everyone is a child of the living God and thus is valued by God and others within HIS government.

Bureaucracy doesn’t not exist in God’s government. Each citizen serves the other as they would want to be served. But of course, human nature doesn’t want God’s Spirit leading them. They want the benefits without the responsibility and accountability. They want to be lord of the house. But they lack the character and willpower to lead and serve like Jesus. They do not want to be told what to do. But rather create the rules for others to follow. They are above the rules. They are the exception. They are the elite.

What they don’t see is how blind, poor, and ignorant they are. They compare themselves to others in their insecurity. But when they look in the mirror of Jesus, they fall short. So they destroy the mirror and live in their self-denial and fantasy world of make believe. The sad truth though, they inflict pain and suffering on those they lead or influence. If they ran a business, the owner would fire them. But because they are in a position of power, there is no one in their way.

God’s government, HIS Kingdom, sets the standard for all to follow. When practiced, the people prosper. When ignored, the people suffer. I pray that HIS Kingdom fully comes sooner than later.  

PS: For those who want an in-depth study of Biblical principles of government, the Institute for Principle Studies offers a course. I have no association with their organization and only make this suggestion for those who want to know more. There link is: https://principlestudies.org/product/biblical-principles-of-government-course/

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Faith-Integrator, Encourager, Scribbler

“We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,” (Colossians 1:9)

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Thy Kingdom Come

Dr. Mike 2024 , ,

Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.    Matthew 6:10

Do you want God’s Kingdom to come? Or do you consider this just another utopia for the foolish masses? Or are you one of those who says yes? But please not yet. You still want to marry, raise a family, build a career, and travel the world. But after that, sure. God’s Kingdom then is welcome to come.

The attitude is if it doesn’t interfere with my goals and desires, then do come. Yet some still want to finish college and grow up. But then again, if God’s Kingdom came sooner, you wouldn’t have to repay your student loans. So should God’s kingdom come sooner than later?

I remember those early days growing up. When culture bombarded us with the fear of immediate doom from nuclear holocaust. Then the media followed up with the potential ice age. They over indulged us that all civilization will be soon destroyed. Then came the loud shouting of the need to control human population. The world couldn’t keep feeding its people and soon we will all be starving to death. But this is now displaced by climate alarmist. They now picture a world of melted glaziers and flooded cities. The doom and gloom folks have been around at least since my birth.

But today there is a new issue. The noise is getting louder. Who will govern us? Will the western democracies continue to survive? There are those who say we all would be happier if we had a socialistic government and own no private property. Some who even suggest that a communistic government is the best way for a people to live. Some believe a theological authorial worldwide government may be best. They all have their pros and cons. But the best of the worst still remains a republic democracy until God’s Kingdom fully arrives. Why?

Under a democratic republic, one can live-out dual citizenship. Yes, one can than freely serve God’s Kingdom and the law of the land. But because there is religious freedom, God’s kingdom is allowed to grow.

In theory, yes. But is this true. God’s government also seems to flourish in those areas where freedom is being hindered. For example, the Church today is growing faster in countries like China and Iran. There the governments are anti-Jesus. So why the growth? Is it possible because when people are free, they are allowed to indulge in whatever they choose? Whereas citizens of an autocratic state are limited to express themselves. Is it possible when freedom is suppressed, the desire to be free is stronger? Ever notice how freedom without a strong Godly-center leads to self-destruction?

Yes, Jesus came and preached that the Kingdom of God is now available. You can now live under the umbrella of God’s Will. A place where your efforts are supported by HIS Grace. A life under the tutelage of Jesus and Spirit. A taste of heaven in your everyday world.

God’s government is not about control from the top-down. Instead, God’s way begins from the heart of a person. When HE is allowed to live within the human psyche, HE sets the standard. HIS laws are written within your heart. You then have freedom within boundaries. HIS attributes of love, joy, and peace are also present. They flow from God through you and touch those around you. You become an active citizen disbursing God’s character wherever you go.

You serve a benevolent King. Yet you are also a sibling in the family business – the Government of God. Your mission is to serve the King and HIS people. You are to set policies and programs which allow all people to flourish. You treat others the way you would like to be treated. Your purpose is to extend God’s Will wherever you go. God’s Kingdom is actively involved wherever you go. You are HIS ambassador.

God’s Kingdom limits human carnal nature and allows HIS Spirit to influence one’s behavior. This happens when one lives in a trustful relationship with their heavenly Father. They want all people to find real freedom and fulfillment in life. Yes, people fail. But God’s grace is extended. The inner drive of a citizen of God’s Kingdom is for what is best by God’s standard of righteousness and justice.

When Jesus’ Kingship is acknowledged. When HIS people yield to HIM and live out HIS vision for life. Then one begins to behold the impact HIS Kingdom has in their own life and those around them. This is when one’s prayer becomes more intentional for HIS kingdom to fully come on earth. Until then, we are most grateful to now experience the riches of living out HIS Kingdom ways each day in our small corner of the world.

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Faith-Integrator, Encourager, Scribbler

“We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,” (Colossians 1:9)

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Copyright 2013-Present | Abbaco LLC | All Rights Reserved