Rev. Don Campbell
Romans 11-13
THOUGHT FOR TODAY, DECEMBER 10, 2019
“CHRISTIANS AND CIVIL GOVERNMENT”
We the people have less trust in government, especially the federal government, than at any time since 1940. While some of us have less trust than others, none of us gives the government very high marks. We can—and often do—argue whether we the people changed the government, or the government changed the people. The answer, probably, is “both.” We may have put too much trust in government and accepted too little responsibility for ourselves, looking to government for too much, while giving too little. We can leave this debate to the academics, the pundits, and the politicians. Our goal is to examine Romans 13:1-7 to discover God’s will concerning his people and civil government.
When Paul wrote, the Emperors served for life or until assassinated. Governors served at the will of the Emperor (1 Peter 2:13-17). If the governors were extremely wicked, subjects might appeal to Rome. Individual citizens could also appeal to the Emperor (Acts 22:22-29; 25:11-12).
Paul is not teaching that because governments are instituted by God that they meet with his approval or that elected officials are his anointed. That which makes governments necessary also makes them flawed: Humanity is sinful, so human governments will also be evil to some extent (Genesis 10:6-12, 32; 11:1-9; 12:2; 15:13-16; Daniel 2:44-45; 8:23). It takes 74 pages of small print to list all the political scandals that have surfaced in our nation since its founding. I could find only one administration, that of President Jimmy Carter, that did not have a scandal of some kind.
This being true, what shall we do? Three basic approaches are taken: The isolationist approach of David Lipscomb and fellow travelers, which included not voting, lest we partake of their sins. Immersionist approach which Evangelicals and fellow travelers take which mongrelizes both the kingdom of heaven and the kingdoms of men. Informed involvement grounded in Scripture and faith, ranging from voting to holding office.
Let’s take a closer look at voting. One argument is that if we vote, we must choose between the lesser of two evils and partake of the evil by placing the lesser evil in power. A second argument says, “If we do not vote, we allow the worldly-minded to elect those whom they consider to be the lesser of two evils who might actually be the worse of the two.”
As Paul said in the next chapter, “Let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother” (Romans 14:13). If you choose to go to the polls, make the most informed decision you can, but don’t declare your brother or sister who makes a different decision an inferior Christian—or worse yet, no Christian at all. If you choose not to go to the polls, do not pass judgment on those who do.
One final thought on voting. Some say, “If you don’t vote, you have no right to complain.” Not so. We have a Constitutional right of free speech, without regard to whether we vote. Perhaps ballots should have a box for marking “None of the above.” Someone on the ballot would still win but the winner might find it harder to claim a mandate from the people to act like a king.
CONNECTIONS
1. Have some “Christians” succumbed to “idol” worship as did the Ephesians? (Acts 19:34) as they cry out, “Great is Trump” [Obama, Bush, Clinton, etc. etc.]
2. Paul said, “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God” (Romans 13:1). If this means that every official, elected or appointed, is in his or her position because of the providence of God, does it follow that they enjoy God’s favor? If so, then from President #1 to #46—whoever it will be, will enjoy God’s favor. Are we willing to accept without complaint whoever wins the 2020 election? Some still have not accepted without complaint the 2008 and 2012 elections of President Obama, so it’s not likely, is it?
