The following student report was submitted by Ambassador League Agent Nathan K. during the 2008-2009 League.

Mission: Research - Civil Government

Civil Government is a subject of much discussion in many circles of life but one that I have not focused on until this assignment.

At the beginning, it's important to get something right out in the open: God IS in control. Daniel 2:21 says: "It is He who changes the times and the epochs; He removes kings and establishes kings; He gives wisdom to wise men and knowledge to men of understanding." Proverbs 21:1 adds: "The king's heart is like channels of water in the hand of the LORD; He turns it wherever He wishes." And Psalm 75:6-7 says: "For not from the east, nor from the west, Nor from the desert comes exaltation; But God is the Judge; He puts down one and exalts another."

The verses make it clear that NOTHING happens, not even in government, without God's hand in it some way or another.

Now some might ask the question that if "God is in control than why does he need us?" In reality, God doesn't NEED us but He does WANT us. He loves us far beyond what we can ever imagine. He created us.

Matthew 22:15-21 says: "Then the Pharisees went and plotted together how they might trap Him in what He said. And they sent their disciples to Him, along with the Herodians, saying, 'Teacher, we know that You are truthful and teach the way of God in truth, and defer to no one; for You are not partial to any. Tell us then, what do You think? Is it lawful to give a poll-tax to Caesar, or not?'

"But Jesus perceived their malice, and said, 'Why are you testing Me, you hypocrites? Show Me the coin used for the poll-tax.' And they brought Him a denarius. And He said to them, 'Whose likeness and inscription is this?' They said to Him, 'Caesar's.' Then He said to them, 'Then render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's; and to God the things that are God's.' "

The lesson: Caesar owns that coin, he created it, it's his.

Now although God has made everything, He is not concerned over things of this world that will waste away. We (humans) however are eternal, our spirits will go on after this world is past. God wants us to give ourselves to Him. We, whether believers or not, are His. We are made in the likeness of God, just like the likeness of Caesar on that coin, and like the inscription, does not God have an inscription in us? We are His, will we give ourselves to Him?

The Bible also offers guidelines for government which is applicable when considering the role of Christians in politics, a subject specifically relevant to my generation.

It says in Esther 4:14 "For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place and you and your father's house will perish. And who knows whether you have not attained royalty for such a time as this?"

This verse has always held a special place in my heart, but now it has taken on new meaning. This verse is not just talking to me and it's not just talking to you. The Scripture is saying to all of us, that THIS is the time, this is the place, this is the day, for YOU were born for such a time as this.

So whether you're in government or in business or any walk of life that is where God put you, this is part of His plan for your life.

I have learned much from this study and hope others will do the same. For public officials and citizens alike, the question remains -- who will you serve? Joshua 24:15 says: "If it is disagreeable in your sight to serve the LORD, choose for yourselves today whom you will serve: whether the gods which your fathers served which were beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD."

You must choose this day who you will serve. Whether you will serve your business or your government, whatever you focus your attention on, that is what you will serve. We must focus our undivided attention on Jesus. As for me and my house WE will serve the Lord.