A View of Governmental Authority
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God.” Romans 13:1 NLT
When we consider our response to government authorities, especially in our world today, it can be a challenge to accept the affirmation of scripture that “those in positions of authority have been placed there by God.” However, Paul the Apostle, who penned these words, was living under the heavy hand of Roman rule and had even been punished for his faithful allegiance to Christ and would eventually be put to death by the government that he stated was “placed there by God.”
We are to remember that God is a God of order. Without order, without authority structures, there is chaos. Authority in itself is not a recognition of morality or justice. Authority good or bad is to be honored and respected. When it is, citizens are generally “better off.”
We read, “For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval…” (Romans 13:3 ESV) Proper conduct, obeying the laws of the land is an obligation for citizens. Under God’s appointment the duty of those in positions of authority is to execute judgment on “wrong doers.”
“…for he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer.” (Romans 13:4 ESV)
Paul goes on and says showing honor and paying taxes is pleasing to God and is a matter of Christian conscious. “Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God’s wrath but also for the sake of conscience. For because of this you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God, attending to this very thing.” (Romans 13:5,6 ESV)
What happens when there is a conflict between acting in a way that is approved by “government” and in a way that is right in the eyes of God? In the Book of Acts the apostles were arrested and told not to preach in Jesus name. There response? But Peter and the apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than any human authority.” (Acts 5:29 NLT)
Perhaps Peter was reflecting on this event when he later wrote, “Remember, it is better to suffer for doing good, if that is what God wants, than to suffer for doing wrong!” (1 Peter 3:17 NLT)
Christians by their actions are to show respect and honor for those in positions of authority. At the same time we are to fulfill our duty to always honor Christ and stand for His kingdom, when kingdoms come into conflict.
Prayer for today…. Lord, direct our attitudes and guard our hearts. Enable us to give honor to whom honor is due, to fulfill our duties of citizenship, as we exercise our rights as citizens.