Be subject

Let every soul be subject to the higher powers. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves. – Romans 13.1-2

There aren’t a whole lot of texts that stir as much controversy as this one. It follows on with the passage above which speaks of overcoming evil with good. Part of overcoming evil with good is how we respond to the governing authorities. What do we do about laws we do not like? What do we do about laws we find inconveniate?

God’s word is clear – there is not much room for debate really. Let everyone be subject the governing authorities. Governments are ordained by God. Whoever resists that authority is resisting God’s ordinance and are bringing judgement on themselves.

Authority is a big part of God’s plan. I think there is a reason. We are told to submit to God, to our parents, to each other, and to our spouses. The one about submitting to governing authorities is a tough one though because our secular leaders don’t seem like they deserve respect or obedience. Their laws are often difficult or troublesome. Sometimes they don’t make any sense. Sometimes they are offensive to us. And sometimes they fly in the face of God’s word.

Let’s look at the last one first. Laws that fly in direct contradiction to the word of God are not binding on us. Sometimes we have to obey God rather than man. Even here though we need to realise that if we don’t obey the law we may very well suffer the consequences. Just ask Daniel or his three friends or Peter or Paul and Silas. Still though, in those cases we must obey God and, like they did, trust Him with the results. When Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego could not obey the law they told the king who threatened to throw then in the fiery furnace. There answer was clear. The said with respect, ‘we still can’t bow down. Our God is able to deliver us, but even if he doesn’t we can’t bow down.

Disobeying the law, even to obey God, will have consequences.

How about all the laws that don’t require us to disobey God? Those are simple –we must submit and obey.