In the last several years, we’ve seen a strong movement towards unrighteous in our country. A look at the headlines, news stories, social media and other forms of media, reminds us that this world is not our home. However, while this world is not our home, we still need to live, work and be an ambassador for Christ.
Many of us know Romans 13:1, which tells us to “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities.” However, what do we do when the “governing authorities” force us to commit an act or submit to something that is clearly disobeys God? How can we be “subject to the governing authorities” and follow the LORD at the same time?
In Daniel chapter 3, King Nebuchadnezzar had erected a large golden statue. He made a proclamation that whenever the sound of the King’s instruments played; everyone must bow down and worship his golden image, or be thrown into a fiery furnace. This was Government enforcement. Three young friends, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, refused to bow down and worship the false god. They said in Daniel 3:18, “…be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.”
In the book of Acts, we see the Sanhedrin, which is today’s equivalency of the Supreme Court; meet with Peter and the Disciples about preaching Jesus Christ. They said in Acts 5:28, “We strictly charged you not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching,” This was the supreme court of the day telling followers of Christ to not teach/preach in the name of Jesus. Peter responded in verse 29, “We must obey God rather than men.”
The teachers of the day tried to trip Jesus up. They asked Him if they should pay taxes to Caesar. Jesus replied in Mark 12:17, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”
So, when should a Christian break the law? When Caesar starts taking what is rightfully Gods. Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego, along with the Disciples in Acts, all saw the overreaching of the government and those over them….and they all responded by refusing to submit. Biblically speaking, you have every reason to step out from underneath that authority and refuse to submit. As Peter said in Acts 5:29, “We must obey God rather than men.”
