But What About _____?

Paul writes to the people of the church of Rome about how to interact with those in authority and civil government. While writing, Paul uses a word that often is viewed in a negative light. Paul says, ‘Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities…’ (Romans 13:1, NKJV). This ‘subject to’ does not imply blind obedience, but rather a respectful recognition of the authority and a willingness to comply with just laws. Paul was adamant about what a Christian’s attitude should be regarding government. When one thinks of ‘submitting’ or being ‘subject to’something or someone, it is often viewed as a person following another blindly without thinking. In the minds of many, being subject to someone else means when they say jump, another gives no thought to the consequences and follows the orders completely. Too often, those with dangerous views of scripture and relationships interpret Paul’s words of wives submitting to their husbands to mean that wives should obey their husbands the way a dog obeys its master. I have often wanted to ask those men who take such hard stances and misinterpret scripture what they think of Paul’s writing of being subject to authorities and governments over us. Would they think of themselves as dogs obeying their governmental master?

But what about those laws that are against the Word of God? Beloved, Paul, and the Lord are by no means teaching us to simply obey our government no matter what. Rather, as we discussed previously, God instituted order and government to keep the public safe, to punish those who harm others, and to serve the general public. However, when the institution designed to protect its civilians enact laws contrary to God’s word, we must stand for God’s word. The subject of abortion is not only a hot topic today, it has been for years. Many in the pro-choice camp argue that it is “my body – my choice.” This idea is fueled in part by the American ideology that no one can tell me what to do; I am free to do what I want. Pro-choice is ultimately fueled by Satan himself. It was Christ who very plainly laid out the objective of the enemy, “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy” (John 10:10, NKJV). Those who demand the freedom to choose to do anything regardless of how damaging and evil it is to themselves or others are forgetting one very important point: our lives are not our own. Paul writes, “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own” (1 Cor. 6:19, NIV). Many would argue that they do not choose to believe such a fact, or they do not want this to be their life. However, we cannot choose to get our of this fact, our lives, indeed our bodies belong to God, our creator. It is He who made us and paid for us by sending His Son into the world to die for us. Moreover, God has bestowed on us something no other creation can boast: His image. Moses wrote, “So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them” (Gen. 1:27, NIV). Our lives bear the image of God, as do the unborn lives of those in mother’s wombs. God forbid our nation to pass laws allowing abortions on demand. Christians, should our government pass such a law, we must stand for God’s word and proclaim His word to the world.

But what about all the other laws? It is our Christian duty to obey. Paul even says that if we desire to be free from fear of those in authority, then we are to obey. “Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended” (Rom. 13:3, NIV). In other words, if you don’t want to worry that the sheriff’s car you pass isn’t going to come to pull you over for exceeding the speed limit, then tap the brakes and slow down and obey the speed limit (I am admonishing myself here). If you want to be free from the worry of the IRS garnishing your wages from the back taxes you own, then pay your taxes on time! Paul even addresses this subject, “Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor” (Rom. 13:7, NIV). I know none of us really care to pay our taxes or a myriad of other required actions in our country. But remember that when we obey and submit to the laws of the land, we are honoring the Lord and our commitment to Him. Paul warned us “Whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves” (Rom. 13:2, NIV). This is our guide, our reassurance, and our duty as Christians.

God desires us to submit to the authorities over us. With the upcoming elections, I hope I can encourage you to do your civic duty to vote. But before you head to your polling station, do these two steps:

1) Research the candidates who are running for President of the United States as well as the other offices being elected. Make sure that the person you are going to vote for aligns with God’s word the most. I say “the most” because I am not sure any of the options line up with Scripture exactly. Which candidate has put forth policies that honor God? What does their track record look like? Are they just saying anything to get elected or have they lived a life in authority in the past that is affirming their platforms today?

2) Pray, pray, pray! Pray and ask God not only for who YOU should vote for, but also pray for the next President and those other offices. God already knows who is going to be in the White House and seats of power. I pray, “God you already know who is going to sit in those seats we are going to elect. If they do not know you as Savior then God I pray you convict their heart to know You! God, I pray that you would help them to have a Christian “backbone” to say yes to things that honor you and no to things that cause you dishonor.” You pray how you want to but just pray!

I still have faith in the Lord that somehow God is going to help our nation and yet see our greatest days ahead. Even so, come Lord Jesus!