Haters of Government

Romans 13:1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. 2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil...

In a number of Western countries it has become increasingly common for people to have a disdain for the government and the leadership. Sometimes even treason and discord is viewed as a form of patriotism. This is not to say that as Christians we should have blind obedience to them, our loyalty is to God first, such as it was for Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in the face of persecution, or even our Lord Jesus Christ in the hand of Pontius Pilate and King Herod.

John 19:11 Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above...

It is true that earthly nations are ruled by imperfect people, even in the days of ancient Israel we see how King David and Solomon - some of the great figures of the Old Testament - got some things horribly wrong. However despite this they were ordained by God, and He was always with them and Israel still prospered greatly under their leadership. We can read through the book of Psalms how heavy a toll this had on King David, where he is often ruthless in depreciating and humbling himself.

Psalm 22:6 But I am a worm, and no man; a reproach of men, and despised of the people.

Ungodly leaders can be a curse on their nation, for example the hard heart of Pharaoh of ancient Egypt in the days of Moses brought much hardship to his people. However God used him to demonstrate his power against the wickedness of Pharaoh. Moses did not ask God to punish Pharaoh's household who raised him, at first he resisted God, saying the people would not believe him, that he was unable to speak etc, he only moved after God got angry with him in Ex. 4:14.

Exodus 7:3 And I will harden Pharaoh's heart, and multiply my signs and my wonders in the land of Egypt.

God repeatedly petitioned and warned Pharaoh to change course and do right, showing all manner of signs to him. We could look at King Saul and how merciful and loyal David was to him, even when Saul sought to take his life. Or King Nebuchadnezzar, who despite persecuting God's people was given great prophetic signs by God through Daniel, he was punished with temporary madness - believing he was an animal - but he came to his senses and became a great  story of conversion.

Daniel 4:34 And at the end of the days I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the most High, and I praised and honoured him that liveth for ever, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom is from generation to generation

Though we are subject to the powers that be, God is no respecter of persons, and as such we should not treat them any less than we would anyone else. We should always be praying for them, forgiving them, showing them love and patience. If they stray from God we should take steps to warn them of the consequences and petition them to repent repeatedly, and even if God hardens their heart, it will all work for His glory. There will be no perfect kingdom until the millennial kingdom of Christ.

1 Timothy 2:1 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; 2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.