Loyalty is an exceptionally fine quality. It’s worth so much we need to carefully consider who and what merits our devotion and allegiance. For instance, how much loyalty should we give to governments and political systems? Some, to be sure, but how much depends on which government.

What about a government that is just and right? That would be fine but the truth is that there is no such thing–not on this earth. I for one think the United States is the best government available today and yet it is terribly flawed and falls far short of perfect justice and rightness.

Let’s look to higher ground. “For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; and the government will rest on His shoulders; and His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6)

Truly, our loyalties are well placed only to God’s Kingdom but we sometimes get confused about what represents his government. A particular political party or candidate usually doesn’t. As we vote and express political viewpoints, we need to recognize the limitations of our human institutions.

We should not be looking for this person or that person to establish God’s kingdom on earth. Our trust should not be in a political system, a movement or a party platform. Instead, we should be looking ahead to the time when “There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace…to establish it and uphold it with justice and righteousness from then on and forevermore.” (Verse 7)

What warrants our utmost loyalty? Only HIS government.