Titus, Part TwoSample

Authority relationships in society

“Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work” (Titus 3:1).

As a believer, you are part of God's family. He is your king; you want to obey Him. But at the same time, you also live in a country with a human government. And you have to obey them too. There is only one absolute exception: we must obey God more than humans. So if a human government asks something of us that goes against God's will, we must refuse. We find an example in Acts 5. The apostles were no longer allowed to tell the people about the Lord Jesus. But as soon as they were released from prison, they began to declare the good news and invite people to become Christians again. Some apostles were imprisoned or even killed. But their devotion to their heavenly King was so great that they were willing to give their lives for Him!

As mentioned, this situation is an exception. Most of the laws in a country must also be obeyed by Christians. For the government is appointed by God for the good of the people, to contain the evils to which people are naturally inclined. That can range, for example, from speed limits in traffic to building permits for your home or employment laws.

What is your attitude toward the government? Do you value the authorities as ministers of God?