Words of wisdom from the great one...
Herbert Armstrong
Bricket Wood Sermon
May, 1974
From "Get Back on Track"
"And YOU’LL FIND OUT THAT THOSE THAT GO OUT FROM THIS CHURCH, SOONER OR LATER, COME TO THE ONE THING: They’ll say “I DON’T WANT ANY GOVERNMENT OVER ME!” And WHAT GOD DOES WANT IS HIS GOVERNMENT OVER US! THAT’S THE ONLY REASON WE’VE BEEN BORN, BRETHREN!(I CAN’T PUT ENOUGH EMPHASIS IN THAT.)
IF YOU HATE THE GOVERNMENT OF GOD, YOU ARE ON SATAN’S SIDE. GET OVER ON TO SATAN’S SIDE, IF THAT’S WHERE YOU STAND. BUT IF YOU ARE ON GOD’S SIDE, GET OVER HERE ON GOD’S SIDE; AND STAY THERE!"This is why so many of the Churches of God place more emphasis on "government" than they do Jesus. Being able to control every aspect of peoples is more valuable than leading people into grace. Plus, it keeps them obedient to despotic leaders like Flurry, Weinland, and Pack. Sadly, some COG members think they need to be controlled and told what to do. It is much easier and safer for them as they do not have to make theological decisions.
quote courtesy of SHT, comments mine