Submitting to the Government is Faith not Fear
“LET EVERY person be loyally subject to the governing (civil) authorities. For there is no authority except from God [by His permission, His sanction], and those that exist do so by God's appointment. [Prov. 8:15.] Therefore he who resists and sets himself up against the authorities resists what God has appointed and arranged [in divine order]. And those who resist will bring down judgment upon themselves [receiving the penalty due them]. For civil authorities are not a terror to [people of] good conduct, but to [those of] bad behavior. Would you have no dread of him who is in authority? Then do what is right and you will receive his approval and commendation. For he is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, [you should dread him and] be afraid, for he does not bear and wear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant to execute His wrath (punishment, vengeance) on the wrongdoer. Therefore one must be subject, not only to avoid God's wrath and escape punishment, but also as a matter of principle and for the sake of conscience. For this same reason you pay taxes, for [the civil authorities] are official servants under God, devoting themselves to attending to this very service. Render to all men their dues. [Pay] taxes to whom taxes are due, revenue to whom revenue is due, respect to whom respect is due, and honor to whom honor is due.” (Romans 13:1-7 AMPC)
In this time of increased prevention and precautionary measures as prescribed by the government, make sure to follow these directives obediently.
If you’re supposed to stay home, stay home. If you’re supposed to practice social distancing, do so. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and keep clean.
We submit to these governing bodies not because they are always right or perfect, but because they are allowed to exist by the higher authority that’s above them—God.
It’s not a good testimony to Jesus if you’re going out unnecessarily for fun, and not practicing proper hygiene.
Foolhardy recklessness will just give opportunities for the world to malign the name of Christ.
You might be thinking, “Why are you behaving like you’re so scared of the virus? We are protected in Christ and can go anywhere we want!”
Just because we are promised divine protection doesn’t mean we use that freedom at the expense of stumbling others through our selfish actions.
Sometimes we give up certain privileges so that we can walk in love and be a good testimony for Jesus.
I believe that this is why many local churches have temporarily closed their doors to gathering for services and worship.
It’s not because of fear, but obeying the government’s directives for Jesus’ sake.
Imagine if someone who went to the church service caught the virus. No one knows exactly how the person caught it, but the church would be implicated, giving it a bad name in front of all the unbelievers.
We don’t want to be seen by society as troublesome rebels who ignore the government’s directives and end up causing trouble.
Christians are supposed to be known for their love, excellent conduct and good works towards anyone in need.
We should be part of the solution and not the cause of the problem.
And like the passage above says, pay your taxes—now is tax filing season isn’t it?
Because of people paying their taxes, our governments can have the reserves to help their citizens in times of crisis, just like how our Singapore government is able to draw on its reserves to reinforce the local economy during this tough time. The help is greatly needed and appreciated.
If you do what is right, you won’t have to be afraid of being jailed, fined or caned. Just follow instructions and you will have the peace of mind and a clear conscience!
This is how the world will open their hearts to hearing the Gospel, and how Jesus is glorified!
The world is watching the church—not what we’re thinking, but what we’re doing. Let’s glorify Jesus. Stay safe, shalom!
If you agree then just say “Yes I will willingly submit to the governing authorities for my Lord Jesus’ sake!”
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