Today we see the normalization of complete disrespect for our president. There is an epidemic of disrespect for all forms authority in our nation, which, is a clear sign that we are living in what the Bible calls “perilous times.” (2 Timothy 3:1-5) How did we get here and can we escape?
The Bible teaches that God is the ultimate authority in the universe by reason of his being the Creator. He deserves to be respected, honored, obeyed, and worshiped.
If we accept that God created us, acknowledging his authority is logical. In order to get around the obvious, Satan injects his lies into our minds. Since Adam and Eve would never be convinced that God does not exist, the devil’s initial deception in the garden was to cast doubt upon the goodness of God in order to justify the repudiation of his authority. Lies always have a goal in mind.
The devil’s strategy has always been to drive a wedge of distrust and bitterness between us and God.
Human beings have a very poor track record when it comes to falling for Satan’s lies. It is even worse in the Last Days because God is turning us over to massive deception by the devil.
He will use every kind of evil deception to fool those on their way to destruction, because they refuse to love and accept the truth that would save them. 11 So God will cause them to be greatly deceived, and they will believe these lies. 12 Then they will be condemned for enjoying evil rather than believing the truth. 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12 (NLT)
Thanks to systematic anti-god propaganda in our schools, many do not even believe that God exists, settling for the irrational proposition that all the complexity of life around us arose by chance out of nothing. God is not even part of a great number of people’s world view. He is not acknowledged, honored, feared , or obeyed. This is how we got to where we are today.
They know the truth about God because he has made it obvious to them. 20 For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God. 21 Yes, they knew God, but they wouldn’t worship him as God or even give him thanks. And they began to think up foolish ideas of what God was like. As a result, their minds became dark and confused. 22 Claiming to be wise, they instead became utter fools. Romans 1:19-22 (NLT)
The Way to Escape
The gospel addresses our treachery against God and his rule. Jesus came to restore humanity and creation to its proper order of joyful dependence upon the Creator.
The sentence for the crime of treason against God is self-imposed death. Sin is a form of suicide because we cut ourselves off from the Source of Life. Sometimes this death works quickly; other times it is slow and drawn out. Nevertheless. sin always ends in death. (Romans 6:23)
Jesus, the one person who always obeyed his Father in heaven, died in our place, so that we can be reconciled to God and come back under his benevolent rule.
When Jesus rose from the dead, he was elevated to the highest status of Lord of Lords. (Philippians 2:9-11) All we have to do to be saved is humbly admit that we have been wrong in trying to go it alone apart from God and and acknowledge that Jesus alone is Lord of our lives. This makes sense when we consider that man’s original and ongoing basic sin is rejection of God’s right to rule our lives. This is how we escape the horrors of God’s eternal judgment for being rebels. (Acts 2:40)
Showing Respect to Delegated Authority
God shares his authority with humans in order to bring some order to the earth and its inhabitants. Chaos and anarchy are the products of sin, and are never a desired state of affairs. Anarchists who wish to overthrow the existing government use chaos and unrest to usher in the slavery and oppression of totalitarianism.
All human authority derives from God and, for that reason, is to be respected, even if we cannot obey some of its laws for reasons of conscience.
Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. 2 So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished. Romans 13:1-2 (NLT)
Submission (obedience) to authority is a fundamental pillar of any society. Without it, things degenerate quickly into lawlessness.
The apostle Paul was under the oppressive dictatorship of Rome; yet, he wrote the above admonition to obey delegated authority. He encouraged respect toward the very government that eventually put him to death for his faith.
The only time we should disobey God’s appointed authority is when and if it directs us to violate our conscience or God’s commands. When and if we find ourselves in a place of conscientious objection, it is never an excuse to become disrespectful.
Once, when Paul had been hauled before the anti-Christ Jewish council, he said something disrespectful toward the high priest without realizing who he was. Here is the account from Acts.
Those standing near Paul said to him, “Do you dare to insult God’s high priest?” 5 “I’m sorry, brothers. I didn’t realize he was the high priest,” Paul replied, “for the Scriptures say, ‘You must not speak evil of any of your rulers.’” Acts 23:4-5 (NLT)
Even though a ruler unlawfully violates the law, we are not released to be disrespectful. Paul quoted Exodus 22:28, which forbids disrespect and speaking evil of rulers.
So where does that leave us today as we read and watch our citizens routinely insult and denigrate the highest office in the land? Like Paul, the apostle Peter wrote that such days would come.
He [God] is especially hard on those who follow their own twisted sexual desire, and who despise authority. These people are proud and arrogant, daring even to scoff at supernatural beings without so much as trembling. 2 Peter 2:10 (NLT)
God will not be mocked. Eventually those who rail against authority will suffer the consequences of their sins. We can count on that. What is perhaps more important for us is to make sure that we do not join them in their rebellion against God’s order and authority. Why should we choose to bring God’s judgment into our own lives?
In our nation, where every law abiding citizen has the right and duty to participate in the political process, it is incumbent upon us to speak out, but always with respect.
We can be strong in our convictions without crossing the line into rebellion against God’s delegated authorities.
Prayer
God, please forgive me for the times I have spoken against your delegated authorities. I now see that to do so indirectly pits me against you. Teach me how to speak up against injustice, when I see it, without becoming unjust myself. Show me how to conscientiously object to ungodly laws without becoming a rebel. Help me to come under the lordship of Christ in every area of my life and show others how to do the same. Let me bring honor and glory to your name. Amen.
