The ongoing violence in Iran, following the disputed reelection of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, is a sad reminder of the importance of godly leadership and governance. We, as believers in Jesus, are called to respect our government and those in authority over us (Romans 13:1-7). This includes honoring the positions of our leaders and obeying laws that are just.
But should we blindly follow immoral or unjust laws or actions by leaders? Absolutely not! Check out Acts 5:29, where Peter and the apostles state, “We must obey God rather than any human authority.”
What do you think about this idea of respectful disobedience? When and how should a believer in Jesus practice it?
jamiesreid on June 27, 2009 at 3:11 am
This is an excellent question that we must all consider so that we will be ready and not caught unawares when various situations arise. Just like we do fire drills…
My own answer is anytime the government requires something of us that goes against the Word of God then we must respond with respectful obedience. There are several examples in the Bible to support this. The Book of Daniel has many examples, Daniel 3:5, Daniel 3:16-18 in particular. We know that Christ said give unto Caesar what is his. So we must respect and obey authority however we can not give unto government what does not belong to them, most importantly our worship. We can not worship government nor allow government to impede our worship of God.
pluvialis sitio on June 30, 2009 at 8:40 am
One word: Gandhi
Enough said.