Romans 13:1-7
13 Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. 2 So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished. 3 For the authorities do not strike fear in people who are doing right, but in those who are doing wrong. Would you like to live without fear of the authorities? Do what is right, and they will honor you. 4 The authorities are God’s servants, sent for your good. But if you are doing wrong, of course you should be afraid, for they have the power to punish you. They are God’s servants, sent for the very purpose of punishing those who do what is wrong. 5 So you must submit to them, not only to avoid punishment, but also to keep a clear conscience.
6 Pay your taxes, too, for these same reasons. For government workers need to be paid. They are serving God in what they do. 7 Give to everyone what you owe them: Pay your taxes and government fees to those who collect them, and give respect and honor to those who are in authority.
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Paul makes the point that all who are in authority have been placed there by God. How do I hold to that yet participate in all the political character attacks from both political parties. Seems to me Paul is saying we are to campaign for what is right, but once the leaders are in place, we are to follow this passage.
As a believer, I am not to participate in the bashing of those in authority. BUT, then how do I protest against the abuse of power? Paul wasn’t dealing with elected officials, so there is some difference. But we must deal with the truth, with the facts, and as Christians, we are also to trust that God has his purposes in all that goes on.