A Biblical approach to judging politicians?

Does the Bible allow rulers to exercise arbitrary authority without censure? A long story....

The first Biblical mention of human authority is in Genesis 1&2, in which God gave authority to Adam over the plant kingdom (2:15-17) and the animal kingdom (1:26&28; 2:19-20). Implicit in this account is the context.  Eden was a perfect garden. Apparently God walked in the garden in the cool of the evening (3:8) and since He called for Adam, we might reasonably infer Adam usually walked with Him (until the fall).

Of course, we also know that because of Adam’s disobedience, caring for plants would become tedious labor, not  the labor of the joy of loving plants, but of pulling weeds. (Genesis 3:17-19, 23) The effect of Adam’s sin on his authority over animals was not immediately identified, but it is plain that wild beasts became a source of fear and danger. Despite the fall of man, many human occupations involve caring for, tending, and controlling both plants and animals. Farmers, gardeners, landscapers, environmental scientists, and many others plant, fertilize, weed, and prune vegetation both for food and beauty. Ranchers, veterinarians, zookeepers, and pet-owners care for animals and control them. Either kingdom left to itself would run amok.

God later told Moses to appoint judges to interpret and apply His law, and gave instructions for kings. (Deuteronomy 17:14-20) When Israel demanded that Samuel appoint a king for them, he repeated God’s warning. (1 Samuel 8:10-17) Although David was a man after God’s heart, it was downhill after him; the history of Israel demonstrates both the blessings of godly rulers and the consequences of rulers who lead the people to rebel against God. (2 Chronicles 36:15-16)

There are many dimensions of Biblical standards for those in authority; even David did not meet all of them. But in the New Testament, Paul told his readers to obey, serve, and honor those in authority (Romans 13:1-7). Separately he told them to pray for them with a specific outcome in mind: that they may live in peace (2 Timothy 2:1-2). The primary historical and prophetic narrative in the New Testament is the failure of rulers to exercise authority under God’s commission, leading ultimately to their judgment. (Revelation 6:15-17) 

But what of our present day? The founders of our nation, and the most illustrious leaders since then, held a very strong Christian Faith. They were not infallible. The Civil War had running competition of theological narratives regarding slavery. Few in the 19th century said that the standard of right and wrong was separate from Christian and Biblical values - that is a modern fiction - but argued over interpretation.  At the core of government and political dysfunction, then as well as now, are unmentioned questions: how well do those in authority walk with Jesus in the quiet of the day, hear His voice, learn His will, and share His holiness? 

This line of thought leads to another. Who are we to question leaders, or they to question each other on this score? How well do we individually if we are questioned like this? If we do indeed retreat to the wilderness to be alone with God in the secret place, what then is our attitude towards others? After we experience just a bit of His holiness in our time with Him, dare we judge another? Our leaders may not measure up to our standards, but in the fear of God we should tread lightly in judging them. Perhaps we should pray that He not remind us publicly of how we have failed to meet His standards. 

Does this mean we should never judge anyone, as Jesus commands in Matthew 7:1, and hence no one should ever be accountable? Obviously, since the Lord told Moses to appoint judges, there is an earthly accountability. The New Testament balance is probably best captured when Paul told his readers, “... if anyone is detected in a transgression, you who have received the Spirit should restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness. Take care that you yourselves are not tempted.” (Galatians 6:1) Two elements: gentleness (humility) in correcting; and self-awareness of the risk of sharing in like sin. John told his readers that the only limitation to seeking restoration is for mortal sin, which  he does not further define. (1 John 5:16)

Since the world rejects Christ, His ways,  and His kingdom (which is evidenced by its behavior), He will return in power and will judge it, as He is the only one qualified to pass judgment in love and holiness. (Revelation 20:11-12) What happens in the world in the meantime, apart from God’s kingdom, is likely to resemble the Hatfields and the McCoys.