Election... govt bashing??

Guess this is the Topic for times like this.. coz election is just round the corner.. next Saturday.. (8th March 2008).. well, last night in cg, we were heavily talking about election.. the government... and also asking the question.. how do we, as Christians be good citizens? There were comments that Christians are the first to run off.. as in migration and all.. Mm.. sad but looks like there are truths to that.. So, how should we response that is pleasing to God?

Few verses that we read in CG last night.. I believe that will give us some real insights if only we pause long enough to reflect upon them and seek God for wisdom and understanding..

Romans 13: 1-7

Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing. Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.

1 Timothy 2: 1-2

I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.

Titus 3: 1-2

Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men.

Jeremiah 29: 7

Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the LORD for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.

Slander no one, the bible says... to be peaceable.... Wow, if really think about it, think all of us including myself are guilty for slandering.. Not saying that we are to submit blindly to the authorities.. but we need to do our part as citizens... What are we really doing? I have to honestly examine my heart.. and ask for God's mercy.. mm....