Paul shares with us in Romans 13 a difficult concept to wrap our minds around pertaining to government. But we must approach this teaching carefully and in the context of other scripture. Paul is making a point that generally speaking, disciples of Christ should not be rebellious against government as it has been appointed or allowed by our Father in heaven for the purpose of protecting good and condemning evil by providing a system of law and order for the people.
Be Subject to Government
1Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. 2Therefore whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves. 3For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good and you will have praise from the same; 4for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil. 5Therefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath, but also for conscience’ sake. 6For because of this you also pay taxes, for rulers are servants of God, devoting themselves to this very thing. 7Render to all what is due them: tax to whom tax is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor.
We can look around and see that not all governments do provide an effective structure to protect good and condemn or judge evil. Many directly contradict the word of God revealed in scripture and try to force people to do so as well. Many governments even try to diminish God and put the “state” or country in His place as the entity we are all to serve. So how are we to reconcile these conflicting issues? Are we to be subject to government or God?
The short answer is “yes”. We are to be subject first to God, and then to government… so long as it does not conflict with God’s truth and God’s instructions. I like to look toward Daniel as a guide. Daniel was taken against his will to Babylon. Nevertheless he had a good attitude and worked hard. He maintained his relationship with God. He challenged authority with respect even as a youth when He and his friends were instructed to eat the diet of Babylon, which was against the dietary instructions of God. He did not hold contempt or rebellion in his heart toward government, but always put God first. Another example… Daniel worked as a leader in a pagan government and was very effective. In fact, but doing things the right way, instead of the world’s way of corruption, He brought glory to God. However, in all of this, he put God first. When he was confronted with an ungodly law that no one can worship anyone but the king… Daniel continued praying to God, even at the risk of the lion’s den.
There are more examples that you can explore in the book of Daniel along these lines. He helped leaders understand their dreams, even when they were unrighteous leaders. His friends Shadrach, Meschach, and Abed-nego also took a strong stand against ungodly commands of the king at the risk of their own life. However, they also demonstrated that they could be very effective workers and honored God even as they worked in a pagan government. Daniel showed first obedience to God, but also showed respect to government where it was not in direct conflict with God. Daniel also influenced how government worked to be more like God’s ways when he was in a position to do so. He influenced how the government functioned!
We are to respect and honor government, but we are to always keep God first. The goal is not to have to pick between respecting God and respecting government… we desire as followers of Christ to do both. However, if we must choose because of the evil commands of government, then we choose God first.
Pray that God would help you apply this principle to your life in specific examples of actions and attitudes you may have. You do not have to agree with government or like it to show proper respect. In many cases, you can respect government without having to disobey God… even if you disagree with that government.
For those of us in countries where we get to vote and influence who we elect to lead we should never miss the opportunity to vote for those who we believe will best influence the policies of our nation to support our freedom to worship God and live according to His instructions and commands. In the case of democracies or republics… such as the USA, I would strongly encourage us to pursue a smaller, more focused federal government that puts emphasis on the rights and freedom of local government and the people themselves to determine how they will live.
The Constitution of the USA is a God-inspired framework for such a government never rivaled in all world history. It is sad that our country continues to move away from that godly framework toward more centralized power in the hands of a few elites who live by different rules than the rest of us. Look to God to provide for you rather than government. Put your hope in God and do not look for “perfect” candidates, for there are none. Prayerfully consider the options before you and go vote to preserve a society in which we can freely worship God and obey His instructions without interference from government.
I invite you to pray with me:
Father, please help Your people to submit to You first and above all and also to have wisdom in how we appropriately submit to government. Let us not raise up the laws of man to the same priority and standard as Your laws in directing our path, but also let us not disregard the laws of men that we should paint an unnecessary picture of followers of Yeshua as lawless and rebellious. Grant us wisdom and courage in influencing government in a positive direction where that is possible. Amen.
Shalom
Devotion by John in service to Christ
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