Our Responsibility To The Government

Issues – July/August 2009 – Grace & Truth Magazine

Our Responsibility To The Government

“Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers.” Romans 13:1 KJV

Whether you become involved in politics or seek political office is between you and God. However, what every child of God is obligated to follow are the words in Romans 13, about our responsibility to the government that is over us.

Our political service is subject to a higher calling. According to Romans 13, our orders are to obey the government (1-5), to pay our taxes (6-7), to love our neighbor (8-13), and to put on, or clothe ourselves, in Christ (14).

How can we possibly be effective ambassadors for Christ (2 Cor. 5:20) in this world when we disobey the laws of the land, try to cheat on our taxes, think ill of everyone else, and fail to represent Christ?

As 13:2 puts it, whoever resists the government is really resisting God. If we don’t resist, and we still suffer from the government, we should take that as suffering for Him and suffer patiently (1 Pet. 2:20).

Let’s examine our motive in obeying the laws. Is it simply to avoid the consequences of disobedience, or is it to maintain a good conscience toward God as an effective ambassador (13:5)?

By Tom Steere

“I exhort, therefore, that first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men, for kings, and for all that are in authority, that we may lead a quiet life in all godliness and honesty.” 1 Timothy 2:1-2