“For [government] is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid.” (Romans 13:4)
Over the last few years both personally and along with the church I have been the victim of theft. Many of you remember when my wallet, wedding ring and belongings were stolen from 24 Hour Fitness as I worked out. Someone went into the locker with a lock cutter and decided to take all my belongings. At the time I said that I am praying for his conversion…through Prison Fellowship. He has since been arrested and convicted of other crimes and I do pray that he repents of his sins and comes to know Christ.
As a church both of our air conditioning units have been stolen at different times as well as our large BBQ that we were using to have hot dog outreaches! Recently I bought something through eBay and the item was not as advertised. It was a fake, an imitation of the real product being pawned off as the real thing. I have pursued it thought eBay but have also contacted the FBI Internet Fraud division to file a report and launch an investigation. I tried to email and call the seller and she knew that what she had done was illegal and immoral but then refused to deal with it. Now she has the fear of a criminal investigation. With almost 2,000 items sold at an average cost of $30 she is definitely likely to be investigated.
Often we are down on politics and government but our passage above reminds us that the principle of government is ordained by God and when functioning properly is a servant or agent of God for good. In fact, in this passage in Romans the Apostle tells us that government is established by God (v. 1), has been given authority by God (v. 2), should praise good behavior and be feared by those who commit evil (v. 3), and are God’s avenger bringing God’s judgment through the lawful means of punishment (v. 4). Because of these good functions we are to be in subjection to government and pay our taxes.
What strikes me from the above illustrations is the fact that each of these people who have stolen has cause to fear. Quite literally they need to look over their shoulder to see if someone is after them, because someone is. For instance, this lady who was selling bogus products on eBay needs to worry every time there is a blocked call on her cell or home phone, if there is an unsolicited knock on the door her heart may race wondering if the law is coming. She needs to worry if the next person who buys from her is actually a government agent that is setting up a sting operation. Because of her dishonesty she has reason to fear.
Paul tells us that we shouldn’t just do what is right out of fear of punishment. For some fear of punishment may be the highest motivation to not do evil but as a believer we have a higher motivation and calling for doing what is right, namely having a clear conscience before God (v. 5).
We can and should debate the political issues that face us. We should take a biblical stand for what is good, right and moral. We should be critical when government does not do what is right or promotes what is evil. However, we must also remember that the concept of human government is God’s and we have a responsibility to live as good citizens.
“For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good and you will have praise from the same.” (Romans 13:3)