Humanity has always organized itself under some form of governance. Without governing authority, there is anarchy, which has never ended well in human history. In fact, we know that God established the concept of government, and He expects us to be subject to the authorities in the governments we live under. Paul tells us Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore, whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment.
Honoring and respecting the government is a very Biblical principle:
Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. – 1 Peter 2:13
Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor. – 1 Peter 2:17
Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work. – Titus 3:1
First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. – 1 Tim. 2:1-2
Even Jesus said, They said, ‘Caesar’s.’ Then he said to them, ‘Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.’ – Matthew 22:21
But Satan has twisted our need for government and God’s commands to honor our authorities into something much darker and more sinister. Many people have become enthralled by the masks of politics, patriotism, and governments. People trust human governments and institutions more than God. They are more focused on fighting for their political ideologies than defending God’s. People are more loyal to their government’s decrees than to God’s commands. Satan has blinded us to the truth of our passions, loyalty, and devotion.
But, make no mistake – the Scriptures are very clear. We are to trust in God’s kingship more than human rulers.
It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes. – Psalm 118:9
Put not your trust in princes, in a son of man, in whom there is no salvation. – Psalm 146:3
Thus says the Lord: ‘Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart turns away from the Lord.’ – Jeremiah 17:5
Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help and rely on horses, who trust in chariots because they are many, and in horsemen because they are very strong, but do not look to the Holy One of Israel or consult the Lord! – Isaiah 31:1
Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. – Psalm 20:7
But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men. – Acts 5:29
Ultimately, governments are a necessity for humanity. However, it is dangerous for Christians to place too much loyalty, passion, and trust in politics and government, as it distracts us from God’s work. It can divide us from our fellow humans and even lead some to want to defy their government. We must remember that our citizenship on earth is temporary, while our citizenship in God’s eternal kingdom is forever. We cannot equate the two.
But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. – Phil. 3:20
So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God. – Eph. 2:19
We are, first and foremost, citizens of God’s kingdom. Our passion, devotion, and loyalty to our earthly government should never outweigh our commitment to God’s eternal kingdom. #SinsGreatMasquerade
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