What responsibility does a Christ‑follower have toward the government?

If you think this is a difficult question in today’s arena, consider the quandary for believers in first century Rome. They had no rights, their government had no conscience, and their religion was virtually illegal.

What was the appropriate Christian response to such a godless government? The answers were not easy then – and they are not easy now.

At the risk of oversimplifying a complicated question, may I offer a few suggestions? Among other things, I have found it helpful to hold two complementary principles in dynamic tension. Like twin ends of a pole, keeping them in balance has helped me walk the tightrope of Christian conscience in the face of competing political viewpoints.

In the first case, for example, we are to respect the authority of the state. “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established” (Romans 13:1).

No doubt, these were hard words to hear for first century Christians. It was Rome who had crucified Jesus. It was Rome who had kicked them out of the city. It was Rome whose leader claimed to be divine. How could Rome’s authority be sanctioned by God?

The man who wrote these words (his name was Paul) was perfectly aware of these objections. After all, he himself would be unjustly imprisoned by Roman authorities. Still, he maintained that the root of human authority was God; as such, it should be respected.

So we should respect authority. Even when we disagree with them. Even when the “wrong” person gets elected. Even when they embarrass us. Disagreement is never an excuse for disrespect. We must respect the authority of the State, and this respect should be evident in both our attitudes and out actions.

At the other end of the same pole is another principle: we must remember our true citizenship. We must never forget that our primary allegiance is to the kingdom of God, not to any kingdom of men. “Our citizenship is in heaven,” the Scripture says (Philippians 3:20).

Followers of Jesus must never forget home. They are pilgrims, sojourners, strangers, aliens in the land. As such, they share a deep family connection with Christ‑followers around the world, no matter what their race, no matter where they live. This bond is deeper and stronger than any national identity they might have.

With this in mind, those who follow Jesus must put kingdom concerns above national concerns. They should view their politics through the lens of Scripture rather shaping Scripture to support their politics. They must hold their political convictions with humility, knowing that “now we see in a mirror dimly.” And, most importantly, they must never violate the law of love, whatever their political notions might be.

So we hold these two ideas in dynamic tension. We respect the authority of the State by obeying its laws, respecting its leaders, and loving our country. All the while we hold in balance the other end of the pole.

Never forgetting our true citizenship, we affirm that out deepest allegiance is to the kingdom of God and the authority of Scripture.

It is not an easy assignment, but if we are humble and honest, we will find that, more times than not, we are able to maintain our balance.

Steve leads worship for the Coffee House service at North Ridge Community Church on Dynamite Road in Cave Creek. All are welcome. For information, call (480) 510‑9518. Or, to read more of his writing, visit stevegilbertson.blogspot.com.