“Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right.”
Lessons on citizenship are clear in the Bible. As Christians we are to submit to every human institution or authority. The reason Peter can tell them to submit themselves to human authorities is for the Lord's sake. It is not in the best interests of Christians to be people who are at political odds with the government officials and people who are suppose to keep the law.
I submit to ill equip leaders? What if I know more than the person in authority? When the Master reminds us to submit for His sake; to do it because He wishes it; then the responsibility of handling leadership is God’s responsibility, not mine. Yes, we do need to stand against injustice. As long as we have a right to speak our minds, do so in keeping with the laws. Pray for those in authority over you and give them to the Lord.
Is there ever a time or place for rebellion? We read in Acts 4, 5 how Peter was ordered by the authorities not to preach. The orders from God conflicted with the orders of man and he had no problem whom he should obey. He didn’t have a haughty, defiant attitude however. He was willing to submit to God’s ultimate authority and take man’s consequences, knowing they will be judged by the judge of all.
Abortion is something that I oppose and encourage any believer to examine carefully the teachings of the Bible, not to only come to personal decisions regarding the immorality of abortion, but also the responsibility that we have to stand up for the victims who are dying and being killed. We have seen the extreme example recently of a man who killed a doctor who performed abortions. I stand in strong objection to anyone taking a life to save a life or bombing clinics. This is inconsistent thinking.
I have good friends who were arrested for trespassing on property that performed abortions. They blocked entrances to prevent ladies from entering. I will not condemn my brothers who feel their protest in front of abortion clinics brings attention to the problem, but I choose to submit to the laws and pray and work to get those laws changed.
There are ways to submit to authority for the sake of peace, while speaking up against injustice.
I believe the desire of Christ is that Christians be law abiding citizens in every way they possibly can.
Submit all your thinking to God and pray for those in authority daily.
Lord, I pray today for our Leader’s in our country, our State leaders and our community leaders. Lord, invade our nation and lead us in the way we should go.
