Whether a nation’s leader is liked or hated, voted in, seizes power or born into royalty, most are shocked to learn the Bible reveals: “the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomsoever He will” (Dan. 4:17).

The same verse explains that God often “gives” power to the “basest” of humans. The example of brutal King Nebuchadnezzar in context underscores the point. While there have been exceptions throughout history, leadership has too often been the sad tale of governments using citizens or subjects to serve and enrich themselves, instead of the other way around!

But why would God allow—even cause—this?

As political division within the democratic nations of the world only intensifies, increasing numbers view voting as a civic—or even a sacred—duty. Some feel torn about who to vote for. Others feel guilty about not voting. Yet true Christians feel no such pressure! They are, and in fact must be, politically neutral.

On trial before His crucifixion, Jesus Christ explained to Pilate, “My Kingdom is not of this world…” (John 18:36). The apostle Paul amplified this with language that is difficult to understand in modern English. He told the Philippians, “Our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ” (3:20). “Conversation” in the original Greek is politeuma. It means community or citizenship. It is no accident the word begins with “polit.” Think of it this way: True Christians are politically aligned with God’s values—those in heaven—not with any government on Earth.

This is not to say Christians can or should disobey those in authority. On the contrary, Peter instructed Christians to “Honor the king” (I Pet. 2:17). Paul wrote to Timothy: “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men,” and went on to say this included “kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty” (I Tim. 2:1-2).

Many leaders are in fact well-intentioned, even having some “good” positions. But they invariably also have some “bad” policies—taking of the same “tree of the knowledge of good and evil” (Gen. 2:17) humans have eaten from since the Garden of Eden. Even the most principled are not immune to the still-present influence the serpent used to “beguile”—meaning lead astray, delude or seduce—Adam and Eve (Gen. 3:13).

The apostle John explained that “the whole world lies in wickedness” (I John 5:19) and Paul called Satan “the god of this world [who] has blinded the minds of them which believe not” (II Cor. 4:4). Christ, after fasting for 40 days, was confronted by this “god.” What exactly does this mean? I am including the first part of their exchange in Luke 4 to drive home the unmissable point:

“And the devil said unto Him, If You be the Son of God, command this stone that it be made bread. And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God. And the devil, taking Him up into a high mountain, showed unto Him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. And the devil said unto Him, All this power will I give You, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it” (vs. 3-6).

This could not be plainer. The entire world has been “delivered” to Satan by God. Think of it this way: In many cases, God has delegated rulership choice to Satan, who naturally selects “base” human beings.

God is giving a world cut off from His way—living in disobedience—leaders who are representative of their citizens’ own character. He wants them to learn hard lessons, which will make it easier to accept God’s soon-coming righteous government.

Christ taught His disciples to pray, “Your Kingdom come, Your will be done in earth, as it is in heaven,” and to live with the following great goal: “seek you first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness” (Matt. 6:10, 33).

Do not misunderstand! This is a literal Kingdom that will “come” to Earth! God will rule this Kingdom, with great numbers of true Christians under Him, teaching humanity what real leadership is and administering His perfect way of life.

As you witness government corruption and dysfunction increase, take comfort in knowing God is ultimately in control. Recall Daniel 4 from the outset: “the Most High rules in the kingdom of men” (vs. 17). He is deeply angry with abusive leaders. The same Daniel explains in chapter 2 that God will take control: “And in the days of these [earthly] kings shall the God of heaven set up a Kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the Kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever” (vs. 44). Daniel 7:18 adds that it will be governed by “the saints of the Most High.” This is when true Christians become involved in politics!

It is of this Kingdom that Isaiah wrote: “Of the increase of His government and peace there shall be no end” (9:7). Under God and Christ, true Christians who remained independent from the politics of this world, will “order it, and…establish it with judgment and with justice…even forever”—bringing real change that leaders of this world cannot.