As I write this, parts of Los Angeles are burning, and protests are breaking out across the nation in response to ICE-related tensions. Sadly, in our polarized times, such incendiary moments are becoming more common.
We live in a country that protects the right to protest, and we should never discourage peaceful, lawful speech, assemblies, and demonstrations. But when protests turn into riots, violence, and destruction, a line that Scripture delineates has been crossed. And Christians should be united in standing on and for that line – and calling to account anyone who crosses it!
The apostle Paul gives us a clear and challenging word in his letter to the church in Rome:
“Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.”
—Romans 13:1 (NKJV)
That passage doesn’t leave much wiggle room. The default posture of the Christian toward government should be submission—not because every government is perfect (they aren’t), but because God is ultimately responsible for the reality and existence of civil government in this fallen world. Later in the same chapter, Paul urges believers to obey the law, pay taxes, and give honor where it’s due.
Speaking as an American, I know that there are many flaws right now in our country – at every level of governance, in every branch. I know this because I’ve experienced some of those problems. And I know others who have experienced many of those problems too. The United States is not a perfect country. Far from it. And guess what? It never will be!
There has never been a perfect nation or community since Eve and Adam ate that fruit in the Garden of Eden, and there won’t be a perfect kingdom until Jesus reigns personally!
Yet in spite of the flaws within the USA – past and present – I’m grateful to be an American. And it fills me with sorrow and admittedly anger when I see protesters burning the American flag, attacking law enforcement officers (local, state, or federal), engaging in violence with people they disagree with, and causing mayhem and destruction. And I feel this way whether the protests are from the left or the right.
I’m grateful to be an American and I believe that the United States (for all its faults) is worthy of honor.
So what about civil disobedience?
Or even revolution (the Fourth of July, after all, is right around the corner)?
There are moments in Scripture when God clearly raises up challenges to unjust leadership—such as when the ten northern tribes of Israel, under Jeroboam, broke from Rehoboam, the son of Solomon. But even in that story, it’s clear that God was at work. And that’s the point. If a government needs to fall, God will do the shaking.
Daniel 2:21 (NKJV) says:
“And He changes the times and the seasons;
He removes kings and raises up kings;
He gives wisdom to the wise
And knowledge to those who have understanding.”
This verse is part of Daniel’s praise to God after God reveals King Nebuchadnezzar’s dream to him. It underscores the biblical theme that God is sovereign over nations and rulers—He has ultimate authority over who leads and for how long.
So, there may come a time when we must obey God rather than man (Acts 5:29). That’s civil disobedience. And there may be seasons of resistance when God leads us to do more than just disobey. I believe this was the case with Dietrich Bonhoeffer. But let’s be clear…
Civil disobedience should NOT be our default and resistance to civil government (especially revolution) should be rare (and only when God orders it)!
As believers in and followers of God, our calling is not to seek rebellion or to justify lawlessness. It is to “seek peace and pursue it” (Psalm 34:14) and to “lead quiet and peaceable lives” (1 Timothy 2:2), praying for our leaders—not plotting against them.
Violence, vengeance, and disorder are the tools of the world. And, frankly, of the Enemy. Don’t believe me? Read James 3.
God’s people are called to a better way.
Let’s be people of love and peace — as well as truth.
And when our cities burn, let us lament and mourn the devastation — and then be the loving and compassionate people of God who help pick up the pieces and heal the wounds left behind.
Thank you for Reading!
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