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Subject to Governing Authorities

             Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. (Romans 13:1)

 

            I saw this verse the other day and thought, “I hope I don’t have to write about it soon.” Today it came up in my verse of the day files. Sigh. It’s an appropriate passage, because next Tuesday is election day and because our society is so fractured politically and philosophically. Those aren’t the only reasons, however; as Americans, some of us are accustomed to a certain level of antipathy against the government. Even our primary legal document, the Constitution, reflects the idea that there are things the government is not permitted to do, and if it does them, the citizenry is permitted to demand redress or even rebel. The Declaration of Independence strengthens this attitude.

            So, how are we to be subject to governing authorities? Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego, and Daniel all convinced a palace official to not require them to eat certain foods. Later, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego all refused to bow to an idol and Daniel refused to change his regular prayers in response to a king’s dictate. Esther risked her life by walking into the king’s presence unbidden.  Peter and John were thrown into jail for preaching about Jesus and refused to stop preaching. Jesus and several of the people who sought His aid broke social conventions. At least one could be said to have broken and entered a private residence. There is precedence for refusal to be subject, but Scripture and the Declaration of Independence agree that it’s not something to be done without consideration, and those who violated the dictates of the governing authority did so knowing that they could and would face dire consequences.

            Daniel and his three friends survived miraculously and continued to work for and generally submit to the person who ordered them killed for their refusal to submit. Peter and John asked those who arrested them whether they were to obey God or man. Esther threw two banquets (to which she invited her enemy!) before she asked her husband for anything. At no point were any of them impolite. They accepted the risk and the consequences.

            When it comes to our choices about subjection and rebellion the primary issue must be the greatest commandment. Can we do X while loving God with all our hearts, souls, minds, and strengths? Can we do X while loving our neighbor as ourselves – while treating them as we want to be treated? Must we do something because of our love for God and others? What can we do or must we do that we must do without violating the command to love?

            One responsibility we have as Christians in America – I believe – is to pray and then vote for the person we believe will allow us to live following Scripture. I am not suggesting that we vote for the candidate who promises that his/her administration will enact Christian or quasi-Christian policies because God does not call for any government to take on our responsibilities. That will require prayer and consideration.

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