TO COMPLY OR NOT

 

1 Peter 2:13-14

Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. 

                This past Sunday Michigan’s Governor and State Health officials issued new restrictions in an attempt to slow the spread of Covid-19. One of those restrictions was the prohibition of indoor gatherings for the next three weeks. That prohibition placed me in an awkward position. I was scheduled to preach next Sunday at a local church. Gathering for public worship, although not specifically mentioned in the prohibition, would be in violation of the intent of the new directive. I chose to comply with the directive and opted out of the preaching engagement. I know that there are those who would disagree with my choice, but I believe I have a moral and spiritual obligation to comply.

                During this pandemic, many churches have chosen to defy the directives from the government regarding prescribed precautions. I believe that this has hurt the witness of the church. The government directives are not an attack on our religious freedom, they are an attempt to deal with a very serious health crisis. The directives apply to everyone. They are not targeting churches. When churches choose not to comply, it sends the wrong message to those outside of the church. It says that we do not care for the welfare of our community or our nation. It implies that we are above the law.

                There are times when the church must take a stand and defy those in authority. This is not one of them. Instead, this is an opportunity for us to influence our world in a positive way. Instead of resisting the current directives, we should be leading the way, setting a good example. I believe that we have a moral obligation to cooperate with those in authority, unless they are directly attacking the Gospel.

                Both Peter and Paul told their people to obey those in authority over them. As Paul wrote to Timothy, his son in the faith, he directed Timothy to uphold those in authority in prayer. I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone-- for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. (1 Timothy 2:1-4) Paul was telling Timothy to support those in authority, rather than resist them, so that the Gospel might go forward. I believe that Paul would tell us to pray for those in authority over us during these challenging times; that they would have wisdom and discernment to make wise decisions.

                In Romans 13, Paul specifically calls the church to submit to those in authority, even though at the time when Paul wrote that letter the church was being persecuted by those in authority. Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. (Romans 13:1-2) Notice carefully that Paul says that rebelling against those in authority is rebellion against God.

                Peter echoes Paul’s words when he too calls for the church to submit to those in authority. He makes the case that by submitting to those in authority we can have a positive influence in society. For it is God's will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men. Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God. Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king. (1 Peter 2:15-17) Obeying those in authority gives us a platform to speak to our community. Resisting those in authority could lead to even greater and more targeted restrictions against the church.

                We are living in unprecedented times. Our nation is racked with social unrest, political unrest, and a global pandemic that is not going to go away anytime soon. The Church has an opportunity to speak into these situations; to be a calming influence. We hold the key to genuine peace and wholeness. But few people will listen to our message if we are viewed as belligerent and obstructive. It is time for us to set aside our pride and humble ourselves, first before God, and then before those in authority. If we will do that, we will win in the end.

James 4:10

Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.

1 Peter 5:6-7

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.