On January 20, 2017, Donald Trump became the 45th U.S. President. On his inauguration day protesters around the country voiced their objection vehemently by shouting, “He is not my President! I did not vote for him! I will not yield to him! I will not follow him! I will not obey him. I will not submit to him!” Is the President of a country only the Commander-in-chief of the citizens who voted for them? If that were true we certainly could not remain the “United” States of America for long.
On Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024, an election was held to choose the 47th President of the United States. Donald Trump defeated Kamala Harris in what had been predicted to be the tightest presidential race in American history. Some people may never yield to our country’s newly elected leader, but this proclamation of disloyalty does not change the fact that there are consequences for disobedience of law. The same consequences for disobedience apply whether “your” President won or lost. Other disgruntled citizens will obey our new President, but they will never submit to him. Their obedience will be based upon the fear of consequences. True biblical submission does not occur just because a person yields to authority, but they must WILLINGLY yield to the position of authority. All authority exists only because God appointed it. Therefore, whoever resist the authority resists the ordinance of God (Rom. 13:1-2).
Let us suppose the winner of this most recent election for President proves to be evil and self-serving. Through his leadership, life in this country becomes more difficult. Let us suppose he proves to be less than completely competent. Does he stop being President just because he is not very good at his job?
The New Testament book of First Peter was written to Christians during a time of great persecution. They were treated unfairly and harshly by the Roman government. What do you suppose would have been the response of the ruling authorities if in protest Christians cried, “Caesar is not my King! I did not vote for him! I will not yield to him! I will not follow him! I will not obey him. I will not submit to him!”? Can you say, “Death sentence?”
In response to the persecution of Christians because of their faith, Peter, through inspiration, commanded that the correct response was…(get ready for it…you are not going to believe it)…SUBMISSION. Peter did not give advice on how to reduce stress, or how to make your problems go away. His answer to unfairness was “submission.” Peter wrote, “Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake, whether to the king as supreme, or to governors … Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king” (1 Pet. 2:13-14; 17).
We are not to understand that Peter was saying we are to obey those in authority if they are requiring sin as part of obedience to the law. Peter, himself, had previously refused to obey political leaders, but only when their instructions were contrary to God’s law (Acts 5:29). To obey man’s law under those circumstances would be sinful.
Suppose our government becomes harsh and overbearing as if they were a master ruling over us. What then, Peter? “Servants, be SUBMISSIVE to your masters with all fear, not only to the good and gentle, but also to the harsh. For this is commendable, if because of conscience toward God one endures grief, suffering wrongfully” (1 Pet. 2:18-19). God commands submission.
But what if taxes are unfair and burdensome, as the Jews claimed under Roman control? Concerning this Jesus said, “Give to Caesar the things that are Caesars, and give to God the things that belong to God (Mk. 12:14-17). Unless the government is requiring us to sin, a Christian who refuses to submit to civil authority commits sin.
Being submissive does not mean you necessarily agree with what is required of you. But a true submissive spirit willingly (not grudgingly) obeys. Consider Jesus (our perfect example); did He want to suffer unjustly and be put to death on the cross? No! He asked our Heavenly Father to “Let this cup pass.” Yet, he was willing to obey (submit) to God even if death on the cross was the Father’s will (Mat. 26:39). Biblical submission requires humility. Jesus humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross (Phil. 2:8). Are we greater than our Savior? Are we following his example when it comes to submission to our elected officials?
We, however, are blessed to live in a country with the ability to change laws (and rulers). But a legal process must be followed. If you desire change in the future, follow that process. But in the meantime, may God be glorified by your conduct of respect and submission to those who are presently in the position of leadership. My prayer for all in roles of authority will continue to be that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence (1 Tim. 2:2).
In this past presidential election I did not vote for Donald Trump. Neither did I vote for Kamala Harris. Yet, Donald Trump won the election. He now will serve as the 47th President for the country in which I am a citizen. Therefore, he will become my President. His leadership may, or may not, give me pleasure. His leadership may, or may not, be fair. His leadership may, or may not, require me to go along with things, not sinful, but with things I personally do not agree. So, what am I, a Christian, to do? Answer: Be submissive to the government of the country in which I am a citizen, or, be guilty of sin. Regardless of who is ruling, God is always in control (Rom. 13:1-5). I can still go to heaven and so can you. Is that not ultimately what this life is all about? This world is not my home. I am just passing through.
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