Do We Honor Our Rulers?
Dylan Stewart
Social media is rampant with people – even Christians – making daily, sometimes hourly posts criticizing our governmental leaders. It does not matter what side of the political spectrum you may fall on, it is so easy to constantly dwell on the negative that the rulers of our land may be promoting. However, as “ambassadors for Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:20), we have been called to treat our rulers with respect and honor.
Paul told the Romans, “Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed” (Romans 13:7). Since the governing authorities “have been instituted by God” (Romans 13:1), we certainly owe our leaders respect and honor. For instance, Peter commanded, “Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor” (1 Peter 2:13-17). This passage does not mean that we can never express disagreement with the views and policies of our rulers (Joe Biden, Kay Ivey, etc.), especially when they speak things contrary to the word of God (Psalm 119:104), nor does God expect us to follow along and participate in or advocate for laws and policies that contradict His Law (Acts 5:29). However, when we disagree with the actions of our ruling authorities, it does not mean we are justified in ever speaking evil of them.
Consider Paul’s response to those who asked if he would speak against those who ruled over him. Paul says, “You shall not speak evil of a ruler of your people” (Acts 23:5; see also Exodus 22:28). This means we cannot call our leaders derogatory names, epithets, etc. As a younger, more immature Christian, I was guilty of falling into this trap – constantly criticizing our governmental leaders – and I pray that God forgives me of my sins. Instead of speaking evil against those who rule over us, Paul commands, “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way” (1 Timothy 2:1-2). Thus, we can see that we are exhorted to pray for everyone, but especially on behalf of those in roles of authority. However, the text proves that it is not enough just to simply pray for our leaders, but we must also give thanks for them. I will be the first to admit this can definitely be difficult at times. Yet, just because something is difficult, it does not excuse us from obeying what God has commanded (1 John 5:3).
God will hold those who dishonor their rulers accountable on the day of Judgment. It is written, “The Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment until the day of judgment, and especially those who indulge in the lust of defiling passion and despise authority. Bold and willful, they do not tremble as they blaspheme the glorious ones, whereas angels, though greater in might and power, do not pronounce a blasphemous judgment against them before the Lord. But these, like irrational animals, creatures of instinct, born to be caught and destroyed, blaspheming about matters of which they are ignorant, will also be destroyed in their destruction” (2 Peter 2:9-12). As result, to ensure we do not heap condemnation upon ourselves, let us render the honor due to everyone, including our ruling authorities.