Big Idea - What is to be our relationship to rulers and governments? Many rulers are corrupt or even evil and many government regulations are opposed to Christian values (abortion, anti-conversion laws, same-sex marriage). Some governments actively persecute and harm Christians. In a world where most leaders are elected by democratic process, those places where rulers have seized power by force, it seems quite unjust and wrong! So, what should our attitude be toward governments and rulers who do not uphold our values?
We are to give to all leaders and governments respect and obedience in the sphere of their God-given authority, not because they are just or good, but because it is part of our obedience to God who placed us under their authority. Following human rulers does not mean we are worshipping them or that we support everything they do. Our allegiance, loyalty, and obedience must first be to God as the one who is supreme over every power and authority. When we love, worship, and obey God first, we have the freedom and obligation to honor and obey human authorities. The only time we must not obey human rulers is when obeying man would mean disobeying God. We are to give to each, God and rulers, what belongs to them. We have been bought with a price and therefore we belong to God and are to give our lives to Him!
