Why do I bring this up today? Because there is a strong relationship between the government and the Church. They do not have to be at odds with one another. There are clear demarcation lines directing our separate roles and functions, but we are certainly not enemies. The Bible is filled with governing entities and rulers, some godly and some evil, both clearly established by God. Kings, judges, governors, ruling officials, soldiers and even security guards would be on a short list of government personnel in the Bible.
Why is it common to see resistance to the government? We’ve all dealt with the bureaucratic hoops. We get tired of calling this office only to be told to call another. We’ve all witnessed over-reach. We don’t want the government messing with our affairs. We’ve seen failure, so our trust is thin. Who likes taxes? Only the people getting the revenue, right? But the government is so much more than a chaotic entity designed to rob people. When it functions rightly, government is an aid, not an impediment; it is a friend, not an enemy.
Where does Scripture come down on the issue of government? The first part of Romans 13 is pretty clear. It tells us that God has established the rulers, so we are to pray for them. It tells us to submit to their authority as long as they don’t contradict God’s law. It tells us we have no reason to fear officials as long as we do what is right. It tells us the purpose of taxes is so the officials can be free to do their work; in essence, they earn the right to serve the people and we reward them for doing so.
I don’t know if you’ve thought about it before, but the Ten Commandments are at the heart of government. Granted, that was a government where God was King. There was no POTUS in ancient Israel! Nonetheless, God established these basic rules as boundaries to bless His people. Those who stayed inside His boundary lines, honored Him and He blessed them. Those who repeatedly broke the rules with no respect for Him, paid the consequences. For the Christian, God is still the King we acknowledge as supreme. We honor and respect the authorities He has established over us, but only for a time and only as long as they stay inside His boundaries. One day there will be no more Presidents and Prime Ministers, only One High King: Jesus. Until that time, we serve Him first and submit to all other rulers second. I for one am thankful for a group of leaders in Little Rock who recognize God as their King.
If the government is designed to enforce God’s moral code, the Church is designed to give the people the heart to recognize it. Just saying, “Do not murder” is not enough. Government can put all kinds of obstacles in place to keep people from killing, but as soon as those obstacles are removed, bloodshed appears. The Church has a voice to offer people the reason for no murder: we are made in the image of God. A much better alternative would be us working together toward God’s goal, rather than treating each other as enemies. Only a people with new hearts can accomplish the Church’s goal and will truly want to enforce the government’s goal. Aren’t you thankful we both have a place at the table?