“Be subject to every human institution for the Lord’s sake, whether to a king as supreme or to governors as those he commissions to punish wrongdoers and praise those who do good” (1 Peter 2:13-14 NET).
We can elaborate on the principle behind this portion of Scripture in the following manner: when we obey the law, we are obeying God indirectly, for it is God who establishes human government and provides that government with the power to enact such laws. For additional insight on this subject, we can turn to the inspired pen of Israel’s King Solomon in the Old Testament book of Ecclesiastes…
“Obey the king since you vowed to God that you would. Don’t try to avoid doing your duty, and don’t stand with those who plot evil, for the king can do whatever he wants. His command is backed by great power. No one can resist or question it. Those who obey him will not be punished.
Those who are wise will find a time and a way to do what is right, for there is a time and a way for everything, even when a person is in trouble” (Ecclesiastes 8:2-6 NLT).
These passages remind us that we do not follow governmental edicts out of loyalty to the government. We do so out of loyalty to God: “…Keep the king’s commandment for the sake of your oath to God.” In another portion of Ecclesiastes, Solomon tells us, “Never make light of the king, even in your thoughts. And don’t make fun of the powerful, even in your own bedroom. For a little bird might deliver your message and tell them what you said” (Ecclesiastes 10:20 NLT).
Thus, we should demonstrate respect in our relationships with those who hold positions of governmental leadership or others who possess similar authority. As we’re told in the New Testament book of Romans, “Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor” (Romans 13:7 NIV).
In addition, the Biblical book of Titus tells us, “Remind your people to obey the rulers and authorities and not to be rebellious. They must always be ready to do something helpful” (Titus 3:1 CEV). While the person who holds a position of governmental leadership may not be worthy of our respect, the office that he or she holds is.
With these things in mind, we might question God’s relationship to dictatorial, tyrannical, oppressive, or totalitarian forms of human government. What is God’s purpose in permitting the existence of such regimes? We’ll consider the answer to that question next.