Are ungodly government officials God's ministers?
Yes. Scripture states that governing authorities are God's ministers, even the ungodly, because they attend continually upon the function of government. Their role as ministers does not imply personal righteousness; it means God uses them to maintain order and protect good while restraining evil.
Les explains that government is given by God for our protection, so we can pursue happiness. Rulers are not a terror to good works but to the evil element, to the criminal element. Therefore, even ungodly officials are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. Because government needs tax money to operate, we pay tribute or taxes. Les points out that we may not need to pay as much as we do, but a certain amount is required for a workable government. So rendering dues to whom dues are owed applies even when officials are ungodly, since their office serves God's intended purpose.
For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.
More Questions
Who are God's ministers according to Romans 13:6?
Government officials are God's ministers, even the ungodly, attending continually on this very thing.