The Christian And The Government

“Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except by God’s appointment, and the authorities that exist have been instituted by God. So the person who resists such authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will incur judgment (for rulers cause no fear for good conduct but for bad). Do you desire not to fear authority? Do good and you will receive its commendation because it is God’s servant for your well-being. But be afraid if you do wrong because government does not bear the sword for nothing. It is God’s servant to administer punishment on the person who does wrong. Therefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of the wrath of the authorities but also because of your conscience. For this reason you also pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants devoted to governing. Pay everyone what is owed: taxes to whom taxes are due, revenue to whom revenue is due, respect to whom respect is due, honor to whom honor is due.” Romans 13:1-7 NET

I genuinely appreciate how Paul underscores the importance of honoring governmental authorities, even when they oppose Christianity. He asserts that these authorities are appointed by God, which invites us to adopt a posture of respect and submission. This perspective stands in stark contrast to the prevailing political mindset in our society, where the common belief is that if the government does not reflect our values or fulfill our political expectations, we are justified in disregarding its authority and actively protesting against it. Such a mentality often fuels public demonstrations and feeds a narrative of entitlement to dissent and rebellion.

However, Paul calls Christians to embrace a higher purpose, one that is deeply rooted in a kingdom-centered focus. This means shifting our attention away from mere political engagement toward a life characterized by prayer and intercession for our leaders, and acknowledging their authority, regardless of our personal opinions on their governance. Embracing this calling challenges us to recognize the sovereign hand of God at work, even in flawed governmental systems.

Nevertheless, there are critical exceptions to this principle that warrant our attention. Francis Schaeffer, a respected 20th-century apologist and theologian, articulated that when moral offenses are so grievous that they provoke the righteous anger of God—such as the heartbreaking reality of abortion, which he fervently viewed as the willful murder of innocent unborn lives—we have a moral imperative to take a stand. In these instances, advocating for the rights of the voiceless becomes not just a choice but a moral calling.

He encouraged Christians to engage in civil protest for the life of the innocent, but with a deep commitment to doing so respectfully and lawfully. This means that our advocacy must reflect the love, dignity, and compassion that are at the heart of our faith. In standing up for justice and righteousness, we must preserve the integrity of our witness as followers of Christ, embodying the grace and truth found in our faith while courageously confronting the injustices of our time.

Rulers typically do not focus on punishing those who advocate for the weak and innocent in the name of righteousness; instead, they concentrate on punishing those whose bad behavior leads to civil unrest and rebellion among the populace. Those who willfully challenge the government or break its laws are often the targets of such punishment.

However, in government, some individuals pursue political agendas that support unjust laws, which may be offensive to God. If a Christian is called to engage in passive, respectful, and lawful protest, they must be prepared for the possibility of arrest. They may be falsely accused of rebellion or of infringing on the rights of others through their lawful protests. While the risk of arrest is significant, answering God’s call to stand against injustice is a righteous duty.

Paul compellingly argues that rulers primarily fear bad behavior rather than good conduct. Although this observation may have resonated with the political realities of his time, today, we often find that the intricate webs of politics, rather than a steadfast commitment to morality, steer the course of governance. In Paul’s era, one of the most infamous figures was Emperor Nero, a tyrant whose reign was steeped in cruelty and inhumanity.

Nero’s legacy is marred by brutal persecution, particularly against Christians, who became the unfortunate victims of his tyrannical whims. After the Great Fire of Rome in 64 AD, which devastated large sections of the city, Nero sought to deflect blame and avert suspicion from himself. He portrayed the Christians as the culprits, using them as scapegoats to alleviate his own accountability and to consolidate his waning grip on power amid rising dissent.

The ensuing persecution was horrific; countless innocent lives were extinguished in a chilling display of cruelty. Christians were subjected to unspeakable sufferings: some were fed to lions in grand arenas, while others were executed in grotesque public spectacles designed not just to punish, but supposedly to entertain the bloodthirsty crowds. Nero’s actions transcended those of a mere ruler; he epitomized the very essence of tyranny, wielding his authority with reckless abandon to pursue a self-serving agenda at the cost of countless innocent lives. His reign serves as a stark reminder of the profound dangers that arise when power is unchecked and cruelty prevails over compassion.

This is why Christians play a crucial role in preserving moral values within society. They stand firm on significant social issues, embracing a unique position that enables them to bridge the gap between heaven and earth. Christians often serve as a voice for righteousness, advocating for justice, compassion, and integrity even when their messages face resistance or are even silenced.

Their commitment to moral principles and ethical behavior can influence public discourse, encouraging communities to uphold values that reflect love, kindness, and social responsibility. Additionally, if one voice is silenced, there is the belief that God will raise up another to continue advocating for His truth, which reinforces the notion that the Christian community is vital in preserving societal progress and guiding humanity toward a more just and equitable future. This sense of duty not only empowers individuals but also fosters a collective effort to inspire positive moral change.

Paying taxes serves a vital role in the functioning of society, much like any other aspect of stewardship. The money or wealth we possess is not ours to hoard selfishly; rather, it is a resource entrusted to us for the greater good. Our Western-style of government, which we elect and empower, is responsible for governance, public services, and infrastructure. When we are required to pay taxes, it is our civic duty to fulfill that obligation, ensuring that essential services such as education, healthcare, and public safety are adequately funded.

Interestingly, I have experienced numerous occasions when God provided for my wife’s and my tax obligations in extraordinary ways, even when we found ourselves without the necessary financial resources to meet those requirements. These moments served as reminders of God’s provision and faithfulness. Suppose we shift our perspective regarding taxes, viewing them not as burdens but as necessary contributions to the community. In that case, we open ourselves to the possibility that God will meet our needs according to His abundant riches in glory. By doing so, we can focus our energies on fulfilling our spiritual purpose, obeying God’s will, and allowing Him to work through us to make a positive impact in the society around us.

God is much bigger than the whims of a tyrant, President, or a Prime Minister, and His objectives for us are much bigger than acquiring wealth or money. God’s ultimate aim is to form us into the bride of Christ, to reflect Christ in every situation we are presented. It’s not easy, but Jesus didn’t have it easy either. He set the example of humility and grace, even when He was being persecuted. Why would it be any different for us?

Paul’s perspective emphasizes the importance of fulfilling our obligations to others, not based on whether we believe they deserve it or not, but because it reflects our commitment to honoring God. This principle applies universally: we should pay taxes to the government as mandated, ensuring that we contribute fairly to the society in which we live. As employers, we must provide fair wages to our employees, recognizing their hard work and dedication. It’s essential to give respect to those who have earned it, such as leaders, mentors, and those who contribute positively to our lives and the community. Moreover, we should honor those who have made significant sacrifices or impactful contributions, recognizing their efforts by inspiring others to follow in their footsteps.

This approach is not merely transactional or an expectation of something in return; rather, it is an expression of the abundant blessings that God has freely bestowed upon us. Just as God has generously extended His mercy and grace to us without any conditions or expectations, we too are called to share our blessings with others selflessly. In doing so, we reflect the love and generosity we have received and contribute to a spirit of kindness and support in our communities. By extending our blessings to others in this manner, we cultivate an environment of compassion and gratitude, ultimately reflecting God’s love that binds us all and bringing Him glory in profound ways.

Stephen Barnett