Christians and Civil Authority—Living Faithfully Under Earthly Governance

There are few things quite as sensitive a challenge as navigating obedience to authority. Somewhere deep inside, most of us chafe at the very idea of anyone telling us what to do or how to be. Whether it be the boss, the law, or any figure for governance, our knee-jerk reaction would very well be to be in control of our lives and to push against the grain of restraint. It is not one of us; this tendency is embedded deep in our human nature. But as Christians, we are called toward a unique approach-a uniquely Christian approach-to authority that actually stands in contrast to mere secular views of authority. Let's see from the Word of God Himself what the Bible says about this—particularly Romans 13—and how we can balance obedience to earthly authority while giving our ultimate allegiance to God.

The Call to Obey Authorities
Romans 13 is probably one of the most straightforward places in the Bible where Christians are commanded on the posture they ought to take in their relationship with secular governing authorities. In verses 1-2, the Apostle Paul writes, "Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment" [Romans 13:1-2 ESV].

It is here that Paul gives a straightforward command: Christians are to submit to the governing authorities because all authority comes from God. No ruler or government can exist apart from God's allowance. The early Christians, to whom these words were first written, were living under Roman rule in an empire that wasn't exactly sympathetic to their faith. As a matter of fact, Rome would eventually become an outright oppressor of Christians, yet even such a governing power is the one that Paul urges the believers to submit to. Why? Because, as Paul makes clear, authority is part of God's ordering of the world.

Authority as Delegated Power
The biblical perspective of authority works like a pyramid: God is at the top, and whatever power or authority there is in earth can be derived from Him. That means that even kings, presidents, and whoever else holds authority do so because of a temporary, borrowed power. God has permitted them in their places, and they will answer to Him. In that respect, civil authority is also designed to be a God-given instrument to maintain order, justice, and peace.

Again consider the words of Paul, "There is no authority except from God" (Romans 13:1). Again, we see this reinforces that our respect for earthly authority reflects our respect for God. When we honor the governing authorities that God has placed over us we're ultimately honoring Him as the source of that authority.

Our Dual Citizenship
As Christians, we hold dual citizenship—one in this world and one in heaven. Jesus Himself spoke to this when He said, "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's" [Mark 12:17 ESV]. We are to be good citizens here on earth; that is, we obey the laws, pay our taxes, and be contributory members of society. Yet, our ultimate allegiance is to our heavenly King. If confronted with a dilemma in which obedience to earthly authority opposes God's commands, we are to choose obedience to God. Yet as citizens of heaven, this may involve speaking out or even resisting when earthly authority contradicts God's Word.

As Peter affirms in 1 Peter 2:13-14, "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" [ESV]. Note how Peter presents submission as "'for the Lord's sake." Our submission to the earthly institutions is part of our witness as Christians and a demonstration of respect to God's order. This form of obedience reflects well on our testimony and brings glory to God in showing our trust in His sovereignty.

The Boundaries of Obedience
Romans 13 does not advocate for blind obedience to all authorities. There are cases where following God may require disobedience to earthly commands. A striking example can be found in Acts 5:29 where Peter and the apostles answer, "We must obey God rather than men." The apostles had been commanded to stop preaching the gospel, but they could not since their allegiance to Christ's mission was stronger than any human command. The principle is clear here: we pay obedience to the governing authorities insofar as this doesn't require us to disobey God.

Through the ages, Christians living under oppressive regimes faced impossible decisions when their faith came in direct conflict with government mandate. When earthly authority conflicts with the commands of God, we're called to take a respectful yet firm stand with Christ. Consequences often come with this, but it's a powerful testimony to the reality of God's kingdom.

Why We Pray for Our Leaders
Paul's instruction does not end with obedience but goes further in praying for those in authority. He writes to 1 Timothy 2:1-2, "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" [ESV]. Prayer for our leaders helps us keep God's sovereignty in view and reminds us that all rulers are ultimately accountable to Him.

We pray for our leaders, not because we endorse all of their policies or agree with every decision they make. But rather, we do ask God to give them wisdom, humility, and a heart seeking justice and peace. As Proverbs 11:14 says, "Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety." Let's pray for godly advisors around our leaders-voices steeped in the Word to lead them to righteous and integrity-laden governance.

Living as Witnesses in an Imperfect World
It is never easy to live under earthly authorities when those in power do not give honor to God. As Christians, however, we have the privilege of being light in the world, modeling respect for authority as we hold firm to our ultimate loyalty to Christ. We do not respect government authority because it is to our liking or because its policies align with ours; rather, it is in recognition that God is the Sovereign ordainer of authority.


But while we are called to obey, we are also called to remember that all earthly authority is temporary, Christ is the true King, and His kingdom will ultimately prevail. Our role as citizens is to be obedient where we can, resist respectfully where we must, and always pray for those who govern us until then.

So when the leaders don't agree with us or when we think that some of the world's systems are wrong, we can take rest in the fact that God is in control. Everything isn't happening out of His plan, and rulers all will give an account one day to Him. In standing by the commands of God-both those related to civil obedience and those related to standing for the truth-lies an implicit trust in God's ultimate authority.

A Closing Prayer
Let us pray, as we live faithfully amidst earthly governments, that God would continue to grant strength to the witness of His people and guide our leaders with wisdom. May we reflect the heart of our heavenly King, not only by respecting the authority He has established but also standing firm in loyalty to Him and lifting up our leaders in prayer. "The king's heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; he turns it wherever he will" [Proverbs 21.1 ESV]. May our lives honor Him through application of submissive attitudes towards authority, with discernment-as only He owns all power.