Honoring Authority

In a time when Rome ruled the world, the Church was born. In the midst of an immoral pagan society, followers of the Way arose. If we aren't careful, we will miss the importance of this. These early believers had to deal with Jewish & Roman law. Two distinct cultures. Two opposing worldviews. One major obstacle to deal with. How would they live out their beliefs? How would they deal with the oppression on every side? How would they engage the culture?

There are a couple of things about Paul's writings that I would like to point out. Things that were often implied in his teachings but not necessarily stated. For obvious reasons. One of the main reasons is that you didn't do anything that would seem to conflict with the "peace of Rome." However, if you pay close attention, you will discover that Paul wants to make some statements that these new believers needed to understand. #1 - Jesus is Lord, not Caesar. #2 - The Kingdom of Heaven dictates our lifestyle, not the state.

These are some important principles. And right in the midst of this worldview is Paul's instruction to honor those in authority. Which begs the question: "How do we honor those in authority and honor the Lord at the same time?" I'm glad you asked.

Before I answer that question, I want us to consider how this worldview should be lived out in our Western Culture. How does the Church in America honor those in authority, especially when those in authority do things with which we do not agree? Jesus is Lord, not the President. The Kingdom of Heaven dictates our lifestyle, not the state. Over the last few years our courts and our legislature has passed laws that do not agree with our worldview. How do we respond? Do we preach messages against the government? Do we take to the streets in protest? Do we flood the offices of our Congressmen and Senators with letters and emails stating our position? Do we rail against the culture? I'm not here to argue our right to do any of these things. I'm here to ask what is the best response. Is there a better way?

Paul's instruction is timeless. We can still honor those in authority. We can still recognize their God given office. We can live out our beliefs in full view of the world. And we can stand strong in the face of any persecution that may come our way.

Roman culture was perverse. It's religion was polytheistic. It's practices immoral. What Paul teaches the Church is not unlike what Jesus tried to convey to the Jews. Going the extra mile, giving of yourself, blessing those who curse you, praying for those who use you, and loving your enemy are all ways in which He was trying to help the people of God understand how they should live within the culture. We don't allow the culture to shape what we believe nor determine how we behave. While the state may issue laws that go against our beliefs, what we practice will be consistent with the teachings of our Lord.

With all of that being said, I want to suggest that there are some things we can do that may seem small (maybe even impotent) but hold great rewards:

WE CAN PRAY
How quickly we forget the power of prayer. We talk about it. We say we believe in it. But when it's time for the rubber to meet the road, do we practice it?
Prayer is still an amazingly powerful weapon. What it does in us is remarkable. What it can do for others is breathtaking.
In the midst of a culture that seems to be void of God, may we not act accordingly.

WE CAN HONOR
Honor is incredibly powerful. I have heard countless stories through the years where the Church chose to honor those in authority and what it created within these individuals. Favor was granted. Platforms for influence were created. Doors were opened. Think about it. Have you ever wondered how someone like Billy Graham was granted visits to the White House? Why does the Pope get to meet with Heads of State? There is something about honor that we have yet to tap into. Even Paul honored people like Felix and Agrippa and was given an audience before them.

WE CAN STAND
One of the greatest admonishments that Paul gave to the Church was that they should stand fast, always abounding in the work of the Lord.
In the midst of severe persecution. In the midst of losing homes, businesses, and social status. In the midst of being misunderstood, degraded, and insulted. The Church stood strong. Even when what they held to meant they would face the lions, these godly men and women did not bow down. And their impact upon the culture stands to this day.

Nowhere does the Bible say that we have to agree with everything that comes down from those in authority. Nowhere does it state that we have to carry out the practices of the state. However, what we do see plainly in the Scriptures is that honor and respect should be named among us. We still "Give unto Caesar the things that belong to Caesar", but most importantly we "Give unto God the things that belong to God."