Are we to uphold the laws of the land. ?

[greyfeather]

When is enough enough, I have seen on forums that alot seem to think that the ones in charge in this country or even individual state authorities are not to be questioned but rather followed. I do not feel that way , because I beleive God wants us to follow what we know to be his will not leaders who are often corrupt . How do the rest of you feel about this.



Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the children of God.

 

[Blazin Bones]

Tricky issue.

We all know scripture makes it clear that we are to obey the governing authorities so long as it does not effect our relationship to Christ. However, in this country, we elect officials by a majority vote. Perhaps it's time we Christians start pushing for the true Christians canadates. After all, if we don't vote, we've no right to complain about the person we were too lazy to vote against.

 

[BJGrolle]

Yes, very tricky issue.

What about those who followed Hitler?

Or any mass murderer/dictator?

 

[bibleberean]

When is enough enough, I have seen on forums that alot seem to think that the ones in charge in this country or even individual state authorities are not to be questioned but rather followed. I do not feel that way , because I beleive God wants us to follow what we know to be his will not leaders who are often corrupt . How do the rest of you feel about this.



Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the children of God.

Greyfeather,

I think what BJ said sums it up for me.

We need to obey the laws of the land as long as they are not in direct conflict with the laws of God.

For instance...

When the King ordered that all fall down and worhip his idol three Jews refused. These same three Jews submitted and served this king faithfully until he ordered them to do something that was against the one true God.

Daniel 3:16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter.

Daniel 3:17 If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king.

Daniel 3:18 But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.

I know it can be difficult and trying to decide what is God's will and what isn't in certain matters.

We should obey governing authorities when their laws do not clearly put us at odds with God's.

This is a difficult subject to discuss because of it can contain many complexities.

In His service,

Robert

 

[greyfeather]

I think that what all of you have said is how I feel. I wish we could have good Christian people in all offices and I also agree that when someone asks us to go against what is ungodly then we need to refuse. Its like when the Surprem Court decided that woman could have abortions , that is not moral and goes against God because its murder. Also when different states where doing this marrying gay couples that to was against God. I know it says in the Bible we are to listen and obey the powers that govern but sometimes its not easy or the right thing to do.



Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the children of God.

 

[Lyric's Dad]

Actually, I find myself in opposition to much of the laws of this land. I don't have any faith in our government either. George W. should be impeached and most of the government officials need take a course in understanding the constitution.

 

[tim-from-pa]

Actually, I find myself in opposition to much of the laws of this land. I don't have any faith in our government either. George W. should be impeached and most of the government officials need take a course in understanding the constitution.

I agree with you completely. The constitution gets interpreted as most of the Bible does these days ---a thousand different alegorical ways instead the straightforward way; the way if someone was talking to you. But people do not want to interpret it this way because people do not want to face up to the straight truth and its implications.

"You mean if you have the right to bear arms you ought to have a Sherman Tank if you want one?"

Yes. That's exactly what I mean. (Except A Sherman Tank may be a little expensive to maintain). :-D

That being said, I think that a Christian ought to obey the laws of the land if they comply with God's Word and are not contrary to it. Otherwise, do as Daniel did--- go to the lion's den.