Authority
Lou Tiscione, Pastor, Weatherford Presbyterian Church (PCA)
A popular topic of discussion is the rule of law. Reflecting on current events in both our nation and the world, the obvious conclusion is that there is a “missing link” in the principle of the rule of law. That missing link is a right understanding of authority. It is not only necessary to understand authority, but it is necessary to embrace its application, namely submission to it.
God’s word commands believers to hold every thought captive to obey Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5). Therefore, my starting point in evaluating the proposition regarding the fundamental significance of the rule of law must be the word of God.
God has established civil governments for the good and welfare of all people, Christian and non-Christian (Romans 13:1). The one who resists the governing authority is resisting God. Of course, Christians are to obey the governing authorities with one exception. When governments command us to do what is contrary to God’s word, we must obey God rather than man (Acts 5:29). Notice the word “command.” For example, if our government was ever to require women to have an abortion, Christians are to obey God rather than man and uphold the sanctity of human life. Yet, understand that in so doing we will bear the wrath of the authority imposing such an evil command. Christians are to be willing to stand for the truth and bear the consequences of doing so.
Unfortunately, we seem to have reached the point in our culture that there is a price for even speaking the truth in love. Jesus said, “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:10).
Pray for the church in other parts of the world where liberty and freedom are not allowed. Christians in those nations are paying the price for living in Christ. In some cases, they are paying with their lives! As we pray for them, pray also that we would have the courage to stand against such evil abuses in lawful ways that are at our disposal.
Having said this, it must be noted that we are faced with an ever-increasing disregard for the rule of law including the blatant disregard to submit to law. I’ve heard elected officials rationalize their disobedience to the law based on their likes or dislikes of the individual seeking to enforce it. Evidently, the basis for submitting to authority is whether or not the enforcer is one who is perceived as acceptable.
We all have the natural desire to be our own authority rather than to submit to any authority. From a theological perspective, the selective submission to authority should not come as a surprise. It is imbedded in natural man since the Fall.
Social philosophers discuss how the rejection of authority leading to ignoring the rule of law has happened in our culture. Their discussions and evaluations are good and necessary so that we might not repeat mistakes of the past. But I believe a more important discussion should be held within our churches, schools, and families. It concerns where rejection of authority and ignoring the rule of law will necessarily end.
This same phenomenon unraveled ancient cultures, and it will do the same to ours. For example, one of the earliest law codes upon which a society was built was the Code of Hammurabi named for its author who lived between 1728 and 1686 B.C. Hammurabi’s law code was built upon other more ancient law codes. It formed the foundation of the Ancient Babylonian civilization which ended with Hammurabi’s death. Factions developed each establishing their own authority and rejecting previously established authority and law.
I am not suggesting that we should give carte blanche to anyone. All citizens are to obey the law, just as civil servants pledge to uphold the law. Even our branches of government were established to provide checks and balances. The judiciary is responsible to determine the constitutionality of laws. Our legislative branch is charged with establishing laws. The executive branch is to enforce those laws established by congress.
Underlying this is the fundamental requirement that every individual involved in the process of governing is to submit to the rule of law. We often hear the phrase, “No one is above the law.” May this once again not only be said but practiced. It is the principle upon which our way of life may be preserved, and by which we may all live peacefully in this nation given to us by God’s providence.
