2Th 2:11-12 KJV And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: 12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
God is righteous all the time. If its righteous for God to send a strong delusion once, then its righteous for God is to send a strong delusion again.
Governments (and their militaries) have a bit of a history with strong delusions, also, as many people have become aware and history books have formally documented as propaganda, psyops, mass manipulation, mind control, “winning the greatest and minds of the people”, guide public opinion, control the narrative, disinformation campaigns, state religions, public school indoctrination, etc. In short, regulating behaviors often involves regulating beliefs and governments have often shown that they are not above employing deceptions to herd the masses underneath their authority.
But Christians are not to be taken in by delusions. So how are Christians to interact with governments that propagate strong delusions, psychological operations, and state-sponsored propaganda?
Firstly, we are to recognize the officials in governments as authorities established by God, submit to them, show them respect, and pay our taxes:
Rom 13:1-7 KJV Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. 2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: 4 For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. 5 Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. 6 For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. 7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.
Secondly, we are not to speak evil of government officials (authorities) nor despise them:
Tit 3:1-2 KJV Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work, 2 To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.
2Pe 2:9-10 KJV The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished: 10 But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities.
Jud 1:8 KJV Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities.