⁵ Therefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath, but also for conscience’ sake. ⁶ For because of this you also pay taxes, for rulers are servants of God, devoting themselves to this very

Fear of punishment is one reason for obeying the laws of our country—this is fundamental incentive for behavior modification. However, as Christians we are called to a higher ground to act not in fear, but in good conscience. We should obey the laws of the land because it is the right thing to do (we of course acknowledge caveats such as obeying God’s law above man-made laws when they conflict – see Acts 5:29 – but that is not the point of the passage for today).

We should not steal the tip left on the table by the previous restaurant customer, for conscience’ sake. We should return the overpayment of our change by the store clerk. We should err on the careful side when we fill out our tax forms. We should not commit adultery—to be sure, we can fear the very serious consequences that will occur to ourselves, spouse, children, reputation, ministry and ultimately our relationship with God. But even if we could “get away with it” and our fears are not realized, we should not commit adultery because of conscience’ sake. It is simply wrong.

Fear, the government’s primary weapon to enforce behavior, is conducive to peaceful community in society. We should pray for those in authority over us as Paul instructs Timothy: “I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings be made… for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior…” (1 Tim 2:1–3). We do this for conscience’ sake, because it is right.

Perhaps the area where submission is most difficult for us is taxes. Countries vary in the amount their citizenry pays, but in most cases it seems onerously high. Living in Roman times, as Paul and his readers did, people had no voice in taxation. Similarly, the early colonists of America recognized the need of taxes for the good of the land and communal benefit, but their battle cry against their imperial overlords was, “No taxation without representation.” For most of us, though, the reality is that we have relatively little say in how much we are taxed. Dislike it as we may, and as inefficient as it may be, we do need public administration. Paul calls the ones who administrate “servants of God, devoting themselves to this very thing.” Our overriding attitude as committed Christians is to support our government.

Lord help me honor those in authority over me. It is not always easy.