¹ Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. ² Therefore whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves.

In a democratized society, voting, free speech and political involvement are responsibilities built into the Constitution (in the case of the USA). To vote can be seen as being “in subjection,” and to not vote could be seen as resisting the government and the founding documents on which it is based. So we believe that, yes indeed, Christians should be involved with the system as responsible citizens of the government under which they live.

Throughout biblical history, we find God’s people involved in, interacting with and resisting governmental rules of the land. Moses clearly and assertively resisted the commands of Pharaoh. Daniel the prophet not only rose to prominence in the system under which he lived (Babylonian captivity), but he and his three associates also resisted the king’s dietary requirements (Dan 1:8) and refused to obey the king’s order to worship the golden image (Dan 6:10). In the book of Esther, we see Esther and Mordecai use the only political avenue they had to influence the king against Haman. In the NT, we see John the Baptist clearly criticizing Herod, the governing king at that time (Mark 6:14).

Lest we conclude that these pre-Christian examples are inferior, we must note that the apostles Peter and John resisted the requirements of the rulers over them when they were commanded not to spread the Gospel.

And when they had summoned them, they commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered and said to them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to give heed to you rather than to God, you be the judge; for we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.” (Acts 4:18–19)

Notice, though, that in all these things, godly individuals were submissive to God. The only evidence of resistance to governmental authorities was when they were required to contradict God’s clearly stated directives. The apostles were clearly and unequivocally commanded by God to preach the Gospel to all people. In all other circumstances, the evidence is that they submitted to the governing powers of the land.

Lord, help me be careful not to use questionable “spiritual” excuses to disregard or dishonor my government. It exists under Your sovereign control.