Authorities: Should Never Be Disrespected By Christians Now

Brethren despite our opposing views about different political and social issues, God, has us called to respond to authorities with honor and respect. We should avoid bucking the system, insulting or talking back. 2 Timothy 3:1-5 says that ¹ Remember that there will be difficult times in the last days. ² People will be selfish, greedy, boastful, and conceited; they will be insulting, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, and irreligious; ³ they will be unkind, merciless, slanderers, violent, and fierce; they will hate the good; ⁴ they will be treacherous, reckless, and swollen with pride; they will love pleasure rather than God; ⁵ they will hold to the outward form of our religion, but reject its real power. Keep away from such people.

 By doing this we are honoring God who in His infinity wisdom has ordains who will lead and who will follow. Apostle Peter, who would later be executed by Rome for his Christian faith, said that in all circumstances, Christians must honor the king(1 Peter 2:17).

Bible is Full Examples of People Who Showed Respect for Authorities with Whom They Disagreed with.

Joseph in spite of being put in prison for crimes he didn’t commit, treated Pharaoh and the Egyptian guards with honor. Daniel and his 3 friends never disrespected the Babylon’s evil King Nebuchadnezzar. David always prayed for King Saul, even though He was out to kill him. When David had the opportunity to defeat Saul with his sword, he resisted the temptation.

David never spoke bad about King Saul. Why? Because God, for reasons only God knew, wanted Saul to be king for a time. Out of respect for God, David gave respect to Saul.

Jesus appointed Simon, an anti-government Zealot, and Matthew, a government employee, into his group of disciples. So, if Simon and Matthew, can live and love each other. Why? Because Jesus taught them to do so, so between me and you whether we are political left or political right—we should live as one. In this, we show the world that we are His disciples.The Bible says in Titus 3:1-2  ¹ Remind your people to submit to rulers and authorities, to obey them, and to be ready to do good in every way. ² Tell them not to speak evil of anyone, but to be peaceful and friendly, and always to show a gentle attitude toward everyone.

Many men and women of God try to abuse their positions to disrespect authority

The only time we are to disobey a law is if it is morally wrong — not in our opinion — but in God’s sight. Otherwise, we are supposed to be good citizens and make the church and state work together for good. “Render, therefore, unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s and unto God, the things that are God’s.” – Romans 12:17

Let’s lay aside any anger or disappointment and start working together for the good of our nation.so, lets practice Romans 13:1-5,10-14 which says ¹ Everyone must obey state authorities, because no authority exists without God’s permission, and the existing authorities have been put there by God. ² Whoever opposes the existing authority opposes what God has ordered; and anyone who does so will bring judgment on himself. 

³ For rulers are not to be feared by those who do good, but by those who do evil. Would you like to be unafraid of those in authority? Then do what is good, and they will praise you, ⁴ because they are God’s servants working for your own good. But if you do evil, then be afraid of them, because their power to punish is real. They are God’s servants and carry out God’s punishment on those who do evil. ⁵ For this reason you must obey the authorities—not just because of God’s punishment, but also as a matter of conscience.

¹⁰ If you love others, you will never do them wrong; to love, then, is to obey the whole Law.¹² … Let us stop doing the things that belong to the dark, and let us take up weapons for fighting in the light. ¹³ Let us conduct ourselves properly, as people who live in the light of day—no orgies or drunkenness, no immorality or indecency, no fighting or jealousy. ¹⁴ But take up the weapons of the Lord Jesus Christ, and stop paying attention to your sinful nature and satisfying its desires.

Remember brethren the Bible encourages us to honor our leaders and all men. Honor people as you owe them, like showing up on time to work for your boss and respecting your parents in general and not badmouthing your neighbours or mocking your leaders with the intent to shame them. Submit to every ordinance – not just the ones you agree with. Of course, again, God’s laws and rules come first, but after that obey everything else.

Pastor Nathaniel