“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.” - Romans 13:7 (NIV)
During the time of the corona virus pandemic every now and then after governments had banned public meetings there were still those Christians who insisted and went ahead. In some cases they were pushed by their leaders who openly boasted that Christians were immune to the laws of man because of their supreme faith in God. The corona virus wouldn’t touch them.
Such faith can be admirable and they have been cases through history where believers have defied authority, continued to congregate, suffered persecution and even martyrdom. The underground church in China continues to heroically meet even as authorities ban Christian meetings to this day.
As for the corona virus that was one case where authorities had ruled out meetings for the benefit of the common good. For believers to defy laws which had been passed for the safety of everyone because they have a God who has told them else would only result into chaos. It would be as in every person driving on the side of the road as he wishes.
When we obey the laws as established by authority unless where they insist on us not to practice our Christian faith we are not setting a good example as law abiding citizens. When Jesus was once confronted by anarchists how he should respond to paying taxes to the Roman rulers remember his response was, “Give back to what is Caesar’s and to God what is to God’s” (Mark 12:17, NIV). In brief respect authority and then serve God with a clear conscience.
Prayer for today: Lord Father in heaven, today I pray in the mighty name of Jesus of Nazareth to be a law abiding as one who sets a good example of Christian conduct.