The Blessing Of Civil Government

Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.
Romans 13:1

“Those whom God hath joined together let no man put asunder.” In a traditional wedding, those words are the last ones heard before the couple is pronounced man and wife. The idea is that mere mortals do not have the right to “tear apart” an institution God established.

Just as God established marriage, he established civil government. To arbitrarily rebel against what he established is to rebel against him. On the other hand, to govern without regard to the one who established government is equally rebellious. In one brilliant stroke Paul forbids anarchy and tyranny.

What does this mean in our time? W. H. Griffith Thomas gives helpful application.

WALK WITH W. H. GRIFFITH THOMAS
“(1) How beautifully applicable this teaching is to every form of government. Whatever country may be ours these great principles apply. The institution of civil authority is according to the will and plan of God, but no particular type is necessarily expressive of the divine will.

“(2) How clearly the apostle insists on the Christian’s fulfillment of his duties to the state. They are as truly an obligation as the most spiritual of our church functions. Paying taxes is just as Christian as praying at a meeting. Of course, we are not to do at the bidding of the state that which is morally wrong, but, short of this, submission, not resistance, is the Christian law.

“(3) How entirely independent of the moral character of the civil government is this fulfillment of our duty. Questions as to the state’s precise moral character do not touch our duty, so long as the demand does not entrench on the domain of the conscience.

“(4) How agreeable it would be to the progress and welfare of Christianity if such loyalty and submission were always practiced. If our duties as citizens were fully realized, it would constitute a splendid witness for God.”

WALK CLOSER TO GOD
Paul wrote this at a time when the civil rulers were unbelievers. Yet he still called for submission to God’s institution.

In our time, we are both the governed and the government. Since we have the privilege to play a role in placing our leaders in their positions, we share responsibility for how they lead. Have you considered ways that you can be faithful in this stewardship God has providentially given you?