John the Baptist preached, and even the corrupt tax collectors came to be baptized and asked, “Teacher, what should we do?”

He replied, “Don’t collect more taxes than what the government requires.” “And what should we do?” some soldiers asked.

John answered, “Don’t extort money or make false accusations, and be content with your pay.”

Throughout history, there have always been bad rulers, bad public officials, and bad military and police authorities. The common theme is always the same: corruption.

This evil involves taking advantage of one’s position to profit, negotiate, and gain economic benefits at the expense of others’ needs. Their salary is not enough; greed drives them to seek more.

The absence of God in our lives produces all of this, even in the least conspicuous circles: stealing change at home, parents lying to the collector at the door, the theft of paper and other supplies at companies.

It is not enough to look at the bad rulers; we must also examine ourselves. Repentance is for everyone, for Christ is coming soon.