“Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you.” ― Romans 13:1-3
How well do you submit to authority? Specifically, governmental authority of any kind. The Laws of our Land. Being a Christian and knowing that Jesus said, “All authority in heaven and earth has been given to Him” ― how are we to also place ourselves under those who have earthly rule over us in this life? I read recently about an Illinois law that attempted to ban potlucks at churches, or a least bring them under local government scrutiny before they could be held. In other words, in the State of Illinois, if you were planning to have an all-church potluck (just the thought makes me hungry), you would have to contact the local health inspector and somehow assure them that the meatloaf would be thoroughly cooked to their satisfaction ― or the potluck’s a “no go.” I kid you not.
Fortunately, the outcry to the governor’s office was so great that he declared that as long as the potlucks don’t charge fees and don’t happen on public property, churches can serve potentially hazardous potato salad to their hearts’ delight. So bring on the Jello salad and broccoli-cheese casseroles, with green chili, of course. They’re legal now, even if they’re still a bad idea by some in the state government in Illinois.
That’s a funny story, but the real question is, “If that were the case in your state or city, and it affected your church, what would God want you to do? According to Romans 13, God would want you to submit to the authority because God has established authority ― and to rebel against that which has been established by God is, according to Romans, rebelling against God. That’s a tough one isn’t it? But submitting to lawful authority is pleasing to God, no matter how dumb their decisions may be. So, if something similar ever happens to you, make your appeal as the church folks did in Illinois, and then let God determine the outcome.
There is one exception to this kind of submission to secular authority. That is when the governmental laws, rules and regulations are in direct opposition to God’s law. God’s law always trumps over man’s law. “We must obey God rather than men!” (Acts5:29).
Remember my friends, our conduct is important to God. Let’s make Him proud and be an example by obeying the rules. Maranatha!
Pastor Don
