Response to Unrighteous Authority

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal,
that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights,
that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.
~ Declaration of Independence

For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil... But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God's minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil.
~ Romans 13:3-4 (NKJV)

Peter and the other apostles replied: "We must obey God rather than men!"
~ Acts 5:29 (NIV)

"The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat. Therefore whatever they tell you to observe, that observe and do, but do not do according to their works ... For they bind heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on men's shoulders ..."
~ Matthew 23:2-4 (NKJV)

With the authority entrusted to rulers comes the power to execute authority, and the responsibility to use that power righteously. Failure to do so inevitably leads to an authority's demise. (Biblical examples abound.)

The founding fathers of the United States unequivocally affirmed in the Declaration of Independence their belief that Great Britain's "absolute Tyranny" compelled a "duty to throw off such government." But they first stated their belief "that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes."

Defiance of authority comes with a cost, and perhaps a penalty. We are wise if when we consider defiance we consider its penalty. Departure is another option, whether departure from a spouse, a local church, an employer—or even government, if one is willing to go into exile. If we prefer departure to defiance, we do well to evaluate not only the cost of broken relationship, but also if the alternative relationship (or lack thereof) really offers greater advantage than escaping whatever we suffer in the present relationship.

When does an authority's abuse of power rise to a level which warrants defiance?

Years ago, before he was my pastor, I heard Dean Stewart teach: "Civil disobedience is justified when government commands what God forbids, or forbids what God commands." He spoke of government authority. I would apply the principle to any authority.

I've observed Christians challenge authority for trivial matters, whether a wife resisting husband, citizen defying civil ordinance, or Church member scoffing at the leadership ordained to shepherd Christ's flock. (Anyone who belongs to Christ is a member of His Church.) Submission can be inconvenient, annoying, and costly. But the Bible says submit to authority, without qualifying "if it suits you to do so."

The other extreme is the belief that you submit to authority at any price. I've known of women taught to allow a husband's abuse in the name of submission. I've observed church elders (none of my present ones) lay heavy burdens upon others which simply could not be borne. We are all witnesses to a government which projects itself as god of provision, protection, and programmed thought—to the point of oppressing the unalienable rights upon which our nation was built.

When does oppression justify opposition? When should a Christian defy authority?

My answer is, "When authority commands what God forbids, or forbids what God commands."

But there is also a trump card to be played. Come back tomorrow.

Lord Jesus, my heart is heavy to think of all the abuse of authority I've witnessed. You've seen infinitely more, and have borne far more grief for it—borne it all the way to the cross. Please enlighten us in how to defend the oppressed, as well as how to uphold authority, and thus honor You.

Contrasting points-of-view, questions and feedback are invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.