Called to be Good Citizens

We are called to be good citizens to the governments we live under. This one can be difficult especially for those living in places where the government is authoritarian or actively seeking to persecute them. Yet, when Paul (and Peter) give us this calling – this commandment from God – they were both living under the Roman Empire. A government actively seeking to destroy them and a government that would eventually succeed since both men would be executed.

Nevertheless Paul writes:

“Let every one of you be subject to the governing suthorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.” (Romans 13:1)

“Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.” (1 Peter 2:17)

So what does this exactly mean?

It means you aren’t a law breaker. It means you pay your taxes. It means you act as a good citizen. And you do all of those things UNTIL the government ask you to disobey God.

Think of Daniel and his friends. They lived and worked and were good citizens to the Babylonian and later Persian governments UNLESS those governments asked or required them to do something against God’s laws. And all four of them did this. And all four the government attempted to kill for it.

Peter declared early in his ministry when He and John were about to be arrested for preaching Jesus “We must obey God rather than me!” (Acts 5).

Jesus taught us to “render to Caesar what is Caesar’s.” (Luke 20)

So the line – the expectation – command – calling is clear. We are to be good citizens UNTIL the point where the government asks us to choose between it and God.

Does this mean we agree with everything? No.
Does this mean we can’t speak out against the government? No.
Does this mean we can’t use our political rights to stand up for ourselves against the government? No.

BUT, what it does mean is that to the best of our ability and until the point where the government ask us to turn against God’s laws we must honor, respect, and submit to the government.

Why? Because ultimately all authority comes from God so in submitting to our government we are in reality submitting to God who gave them their power and authority.

Jesus did it.
Paul did it.
Peter did it.

And they all did it up until the government required them to disobey God. They refused. And they were all imprisoned and killed for that choice. But until that time, they preached God AND served as obedient citizens.

If they did it, so can – so MUST we.

We are called to be good citizens so others can see our submission to God in our submission to the government. We are called to obey to government UNTIL it requires us to disobey God. And then, the choice is clear no matter the consequences. We must obey God rather than me.

So, imitate the Apostles who imitated Christ and be a good citizen so others can see Christ living in you. #CreatedForMore #APurposeDrivenLife