Christians and Government

Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. ~ Romans 13:1

Here’s a challenging passage. In fact, the entire topic (vs. 1-7) leaves little room for doubt about Paul’s meaning. What then, dear Christian, are we to make of it? Especially when we see so much corruption and contempt among our national leaders? What are we supposed to do when we see and hear things that show decaying civil liberties and substantial moral depravity? When feelings legislate and judge more than facts? Is the inherent godliness of our ancestors forgotten? What should an American Christian do about all of it? 

My walk with the LORD and His Word has led me to certain unchanging truths. I’ve realized that God is the source of cosmic order and the Enemy delights in chaos. I understand God hates oppression, while generosity and humility please Him. Pride is the essence of Sin and sanctification is one’s intentional pursuit of holiness, or communion with the LORD through the Holy Spirit. As sanctified Christian Believers, we are Christ to the world. Now, with these truths in mind, let us approach the verse above again. 

Paul and Peter (see 1 Peter 2:13) are exemplars of the sanctifying process of the Spirit, and government authorities subjected both to oppression and injustice. Yet, both encouraged, no, commanded their followers to submit to civil authorities. How can that be? Well, it helps to understand the words used in the original texts of their letters. They both used the Greek, hupotassó, to express their meaning. It is a way of saying, “Don’t contribute to the chaos and oppression” and “Help government serve the God of cosmic order.” Therefore, they did not say hupakouo, “unconditionally obey and join in oppression and chaos.” A sanctified disciple of Christ joins Him in affecting change that affirms the LORD’s cosmic order and love.

Paul’s relationships with religious and government leaders, as described in Acts, offer a clue to his method. His good manners, respect, and compassion made Paul influential in ways that served the Kingdom of Christ. The benefits are incalculable as One whose broad view and timeless strategy constantly bear fruit. Here’s another of the truths I’ve learned from the Word: “Every appointment is divine until it’s not.” By this I mean God communicates via all means, seen and unseen, so the person we chat with has the potential to be a messenger - until it becomes clear they are not. Civil discourse is a means of grace when Spirit-filled Christians calmly and graciously take part. 

So, is there a place for civil disobedience, protesting, and lobbying on the Christian journey? Craig Greenfield of Alongsiders International says in his blog, “This is nothing particularly new. As far back as the book of Exodus, the Hebrew midwives refused to carry out the Pharoah’s repugnant order to murder newborn babies. The first people who sought to worship Jesus, a trio of spiritual gurus from Asia, deliberately disobeyed the orders of King Herod, a criminal offense punishable by death (the first recorded act of civil disobedience in the New Testament). Many of the disciples ended up in prison. As Christians, the law cannot be our ultimate moral guide. Slavery was lawful. The holocaust was legal. Segregation and apartheid were legally sanctioned. Many of today’s laws are created to protect corporations rather than people.” (https://www.craiggreenfield.com/blog/romans13governmentmandates)

I plan to engage in relational evangelism with civic leaders and respectfully engage in civil discourse for the sake of cosmic order and ending oppression. I pray you never witness me acting violently or promoting chaos in the name of a cause. But, If I choose to defy oppressive systems and the cruelty and discord they generate, then I accept the cost. What about you?