Respect for Civil Authorities by F. M. W.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Aug 24, 1911

Respect for Civil Authorities

By F. M. W.

GOVERNMENT has been ordained of God. Evil government is better than anarchy and mob-rule. The Scriptures of truth enjoin respect for civil rulers. Even under the corrupt heathen government of Rome, Christian believers were admonished to show their respect for civil authority. Romans 13. The apostle Paul on one occasion unwittingly rebuked the high priest, but apologized on becoming cognizant of the fact, quoting the scripture found in Ex. 22: 28: “Thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy people.”

Not only the apostles, but the Lord himself, during his earthly work, showed this same respect for constituted authority. When about to enter Capernaum, he, with Peter, paid the tribute money demanded, even though this was unjustly required of him. This he did in order that he might not offend the authorities, and so give occasion against the work he was seeking to do. Matt. 17: 24-27.

But this does not mean that Christ or the apostles compromised the truth, either in their teaching or by their example. On the contrary, while studiously observing the utmost courtesy and respect for the civil authorities, they taught principles showing the limitations of civil power, and that when civil authority overstepped its proper bounds and interfered with one’s duty to his God, then the civil requirements should be disregarded. Matt. 22: 15-21.

This is strikingly illustrated by the answer of the apostle Peter as brought to view in Acts 5: 27-29. When required by the council to refrain from preaching the gospel, “Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.” But though compelled by their consciences and the requirements of God to take this stand, it was taken with most deferential courtesy and bearing. This is the relationship which we should sustain toward the civil authorities.

We should be careful indeed that no unwise words of criticism escape our lips which can be turned to advantage against the work we represent, and which may be construed to class us as lawbreakers or as sympathizers with evil-doers.

In “Testimonies for the Church,” Vol. VI, pages 394, 395, there is found this excellent statement of the attitude which should be sustained toward the civil authorities:—

It is not our work to attack individuals or institutions. We should exercise great care lest we be understood as putting ourselves in opposition to the civil authorities. It is true that our warfare is aggressive, but our weapons are to be those found in a plain “Thus saith the Lord.” Our work is to prepare a people to stand in the great day of God. We should not be turned aside to lines that will encourage controversy, or arouse antagonism in those not of our faith.

We should not work in a manner that will mark us out as seeming to advocate treason. We should weed out from our writings and utterances every expression, that, taken by itself, could be so misrepresented as to make it appear antagonistic to law and order. Everything should be carefully considered, lest we place ourselves on record as encouraging disloyalty to our country and its laws. We are not required to defy authorities. There will come a time when, because of our advocacy of Bible truth, we shall be treated as traitors; but let not this time be hastened by unadvised movements that stir up animosity and strife.

The time will come when unguarded expressions of a denunciatory character, that have been carelessly spoken or written by our brethren, will be used by our enemies to condemn us. These will not be used merely to condemn those who made the statements, but will be charged upon the whole body of Adventists. . . . Then let our workers be careful to speak guardedly at all times and under all circumstances. Let all beware lest by reckless expressions they bring on a time of trouble before the great crisis which is to try men’s souls. . . .

In the name of the Lord we are to go forward, unfurling his banner, advocating his word. When the authorities command us not to do this work; when they forbid us to proclaim the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, then it will be necessary for us to say, as did the apostles: “Whether it be right in the sight of God to harken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. For we can not but speak the things which we have seen and heard.” Acts 4: 19, 20.

The child of God will respect civil authority, not from fear, but for conscience’ sake. Rom. 13: 5. The same spirit will lead him to pray for the civil rulers that they may be guided of God in their great responsibilities, in order that the work of the gospel shall not be hindered.

We are entering upon times which will try men’s souls. The people of God will be brought into strait places; they will be brought before rulers and councils to answer for their faith. They need to hide in God, and to place themselves under the control of his Holy Spirit, that their words may be spoken always with grace and meekness. Let us watch carefully every word, and guard every action, that nothing that we shall say or do may reflect upon the holy truth we represent. Let us manifest unfailing courtesy to all men, and at the same time be firm as a rock to the blessed principles of truth. F. M. W.