Being a responsible Christian and a responsible citizen is not always easy. This chapter helps us navigate those two spheres of our lives. It seems to me from this passage that rebellion against governing authorities is not permitted for a Christian who wants to be right with God. The only exception I can think of is found in Acts 5 (and perhaps other places) when Peter and the other apostles were forbidden to preach about Jesus. Their response was "We ought to obey God rather than men." And so we should respect and obey the governmental authorities unless their requirements clearly violate our allegiance to God. Remember that these people were placed there by God--even when they seem entirely ungodly--and He has His reasons!
The purpose of government is also found in this chapter. vv. 3-5 It is to reward good and punish evil. Ideally, if we are doing was is right, we should not have to fear the government. And we find this mostly true in our society. I don't feel fear when I see a police officer because I know I'm not a criminal. Remember that officers of the government are imperfect people too, and they will make mistakes, but our trust is in God--not in governmental authorities.
"Pay your taxes, too, for these same reasons." v. 6 Everyone hates taxes! And I don't think we should pay more than we owe, but we surely must pay what we do owe. A prominent Christian languishes in jail today because for years he failed to file and/or pay income taxes. He said he objected to the decisions and actions of the government. Just think what would happen if everybody acted like this! We all enjoy the amenities of this country; we drive on the roads; we enjoy help from institutions which get government aid such as schools, hospitals, libraries. We call on the police when we need their help, and we expect the armed forces to protect us. We hope that someone inspects our public buildings and our food for safety, and on and on. But the most important reason we should pay our taxes is because God told us to. "Give to everyone what you owe them: Pay your taxes and government fees to those who collect them, and give respect and honor to those who are in authority."
In our country, we have some say in how things go. We must not become negative or hopeless or cynical. We must not ridicule or call people names. Our job is to pray earnestly, and when the opportunity arises, work and vote for people who reflect our values. And above all, IN GOD WE TRUST.
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