For the Lord's Sake

“Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people” (1 Peter 2:13-14, ESV).

The New Testament Church did not have it easy. Rome ruled the world, and was not known for either kindness or morality. The leaders produced by Rome were rarely men of admirable character. Pontius Pilate served as the Roman governor of Judea. Best known as the magistrate under whom Christ suffered, Pilate was easily swayed by the demands of the crowds (Mark 15:13-15). He was known for his cruelty and his contempt for his Jewish subjects. Gallio, who served as the proconsul of Achaia, was a careless man (Acts 18:12-17). Felix, the procurator of Judea at the time of Paul, was a former slave. His appointment was viewed as an insult to the Jews. He was a corrupt man who was always open to receive a bribe (Acts 24:25-26). Porcius Festus, who followed Felix as procurator of Judea, was a biased and politically motivated man (Acts 25:6-9).

And then there was Nero, the emperor. He was man who hated Christians and persecuted them with a savagery that was unprecedented.  He wrapped them in animal skins and fed them to wild dogs.  He covered them with tar, set them on fire and used their burning bodies as torches to light his gardens.  Peter and Paul both were executed under Emperor Nero’s reign.  He was wicked.  He was a tyrant, but he was emperor.

History is full of such government officials—self-seeking and politically motivated, unjust and corrupt, or simply incompetent. Along the way, there have also been some brilliant leaders, men and women who serve others, who uphold the law of the land, who themselves love and follow the Lord. Regardless of political affiliation, tenure of service, motivations or qualifications, every official that has ever served in any form of government has two things in common—they were given their position by God Himself, and for the Lord’s sake are to be served as such.

As strangers passing through this world, which is not our real home, and as citizens of our nations, which is not where our real citizenship lies, Scripture tells us that there is a right way to exercise our earthly citizenship—as the best of citizens on this earth, respecting human institutions, and the people that God has placed to lead them. We are to do it for the Lord’s sake.

 “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment” (Romans 13:1-2).

Paul’s letter to the Romans goes on to say the same thing that Peter writes—officials are appointed by God both for blessing and cursing, both to punish and praise. Though it often fails in its mandate, government is to do justice, to bring peace, to bless those who do right and to punish those who do wrong. Without government, even bad government, anarchy and chaos would ensue. Government is a good gift of God, which is why we are enjoined to pray for our leaders.

“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way” (1 Timothy 2:1-2).

We are also encouraged to be careful in what we say about our leaders, and even how to deal with people holding different political positions than we do. As Paul wrote to Titus, “Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people” (Titus 3:1-2). Even the conservatives. Even the liberals. Even the Democrats and the Republicans and the Libertarians, and the socialists and the capitalists and the __________________ (you fill in the blank).

To live like this—humbly, courteously, gently, without quarreling—in a society that is looking for a fight, can be a wonderful witness to the transformational power of the gospel. For the Lord’s sake, take care with your positions, your politics, your perspective, and your pronouncements.

“For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people” (1 Peter 2:15).

Things to Do:

• Read Romans 13:1-7. Do you see your government leaders as “God’s servants for your good” and “ministers of God”? Why or why not?

• f you answered no, pray for the Lord to change your perspective, to see them as ordained for the purposes of God.

• Consider your own leaders (from the president to local officials). Make a list of their names. Pray for them to make godly decisions, to do justly, to live lives of integrity. Ask God to guide them in the work that they are doing.

• Write, call, or email your leaders with a word of encouragement. Even if you don’t agree with a single thing they have done, you can still let them know you care for them and are praying for them.

“It is a paradox of the Christian life that the more profoundly one is concerned about heaven, the more deeply one cares about God’s will being done on Earth.”—J. I. Packer

“To try to improve society is not worldliness, but love.  To wash your hands of society is not love but worldliness.”—Frederick Catherwood