Showing Honor, Living Honorably
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Key Verse: “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.” Selected Scripture: |
THE CHRISTIAN TODAY is in a unique position. He is truly a citizen of heaven since he dedicated himself to follow in the footsteps of Jesus and to serve God. As the Apostle Paul said, “Our citizenship is in heaven.” (Phil. 3:20, New International Version) At the same time he is also a citizen of the country in which he lives, and if he lives in an orderly society he is blessed and lives peaceably.
There are many countries today, where disorder prevails—in some cases bordering upon anarchy. Anarchy is defined as a state of lawlessness or political disorder due to the absence of governmental authority. This is contrary to God’s law because it promotes chaos, and God’s law promotes order. The Apostle Paul had obedience to the law in mind when he wrote to the brethren.
All governmental authority is permitted to rule by God. The Prophet Daniel told King Nebuchadnezzar: “The most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will.” (Dan. 4:32) So also Paul said, “There is no power [authority] but of God.”—Rom. 13:1
Resistance to this authority is, in effect, resisting what God has authorized. (vs. 2) Jesus confirmed this when Pilate said to him, “Knowest thou not that I have power to crucify thee, and have power to release thee? Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above.”—John 19:10,11
We should meet our obligations to governments such as obeying their laws, because they provide much needed services. “He is God’s servant [ruler] for your good.” (Rom. 13:4, Revised Standard Version) This includes paying our taxes.—vss. 6,7
When Israel was subject to Rome, they hated Roman authority, and wanted to be free from the yoke of Rome. That is why the Pharisees and Herodians sought to trick Jesus by asking, “Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not?” (Matt. 22:17) A ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answer would create a problem, so Jesus masterfully answered by requesting a Roman coin. He asked whose image and superscription were on it. His interrogaters replied, “Caesar’s.” Jesus then said, “Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s.”—vss. 16-22
At times there may seem to be conflicts in obeying God’s laws and those of earthly governments. We must be law-abiding citizens and use the principle of separating earthly obligations from our devotional obligations. Our obedience to God’s Law comes first, and in reviewing the Law given to Israel, the Apostle Paul partially summarizes it by the one commandment, “Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.”—Rom. 13:9
All laws of government should lead in this direction, but because we are still living in this present evil world there can be disorderly conduct, such as described in Romans 13:13. We should never participate in such conduct. Rather, we are to “walk honestly, as in the day,” or as if living in the Millennial kingdom, which is truly living honorably.