Enemies of the State

America’s push for political-correctness has left many true Christians wondering just how long we have left before we begin to undergo constant prosecution for speaking the truth of the Word of God.

There is certainly a rise in the amount of persecution Christians are undergoing for speaking out words of truth, which is occasionally accompanied by some form of prosecution, and I am certain further, more intense, prosecution can’t be too far off. In our society, true Christians will begin to be eyed more and more as enemies of the state.

I have been asked: What is the right thing for a Christian to do in the eyes of God? Some will say we are obligated to follow the laws and dictates of the state in accordance with what Paul wrote in Romans 13:1-2: “Everyone must submit to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except from God, and those that exist are instituted by God. So then, the one who resists the authority is opposing God’s command, and those who oppose it will bring judgment on themselves” (HCSB).

On the other hand, others go back to Acts 4 where Peter and John were arrested for speaking out about Jesus. They were commanded by the authorities to quit doing so. Peter and John’s response was this: “Whether it’s right in the sight of God for us to listen to you rather than to God, you decide; for we are unable to stop speaking about what we have seen and heard” (Acts 4:19-20 HCSB).

Soon afterwards, they were in trouble once again and were brought in and questioned by the leaders: “Didn’t we strictly order you not to teach in this name?” (Acts 5:28) to which they responded: “We must obey God rather than men” (v. 29).

So, where do you draw the line? Who is right; who is wrong? Are they both right in their own regard? Simply put, the law of God always trumps the law of man. As long as the law of man lines up with the law of God, Christians are bound by both.

Think about it this way: Did Jesus say, if the government approves it, you are to go into all the world and preach the gospel? Absolutely not! Jesus commanded all believers to “Go into all the world and preach the gospel” (Mark 16:15 HCSB).  In so doing, you might break the laws of the land…you might suffer persecution or even prosecution, simply be obedient to God!

Notice the outcome of the Acts 5 encounter. Peter and John were flogged and then commanded to quit talking publicly about Jesus. The story continues: “Then they went out from the presence of the Sanhedrin, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to be dishonored on behalf of the name” (Acts 5:41 HCSB).

They suffered through a harsh punishment for their disobedience but then went away excited because they had been counted worthy to suffer for the cause of Christ. The stand you take as a Christian will make you an enemy of the state. Persecution and prosecution will continue to intensify as you continue to stand up and speak out. Are you up for it? Will you rejoice in having been counted worthy to undergo such for the cause of Christ?

I believe it is vital to make two points at this juncture. First, in light of the radical, extremist violence advocated by some religions and groups, God never advocates violence of His followers. We never find followers of the true God engaged in violent acts against others or their governments in Scripture. Rather, believers are to respond in like manner to the response of Peter and John.

A second important point I wish to make concerns responsibilities and obligations of true believers. The laws, rules and commands of God are not suggestions to be considered as optional. Following and fulfilling these are the responsibility and obligation of all true believers. The command of Proverbs 31:8 obligates all believers to “speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves” (NLT). In other words, unborn babies, the poor, the destitute—anyone not given an opportunity to speak out for themselves due to their situation leaves believers obligated to stand up for and speak out for.

The simple fact here is that God’s law is ultimately supreme. Man’s laws are to be followed and obeyed to the extent they do not prevent one from living and serving in accordance with God’s principles, standards and laws.