God decreed that good governments should be built upon the right kinds of laws. Not just any old laws, but the right kinds of laws like the ten he gave us. The more righteous and fair its laws are, the nearer that nation is to God. Our obligation as Christians is to . . .

“Observe them carefully, for this will show your wisdom and understanding to the nations, who will hear about all these decrees and say, ‘Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.’ What other nation is so great as to have their gods near them the way the Lord our God is near us whenever we pray to him? And what other nation is so great as to have such righteous decrees and laws as this body of laws I am setting before you today?” (Deuteronomy 4:6-8).

Laws of justice and mercy help a nation honor God. Righteous laws protect every citizen from evildoers who lie, cheat, steal, kill, or want to rewrite laws for selfish reasons. Our founding fathers were a little rough around the edges, but they got this right. In a government ordained by God, no man or woman can ever be above the law. 

“There is danger from all men. The only maxim of a free government ought to be to trust no man living with power to endanger the public liberty. But a Constitution of Government once changed from Freedom, can never be restored. Liberty, once lost, is lost forever.”—John Adams