No doubt you are aware of the situation in Houston, TX. Their openly lesbian mayor, Annise Parker has subpoenaed five area pastor's sermons in response to opposition over a city-wide policy allowing trans-gender individuals to use opposite sex public bathrooms. The blatant abuse of power is obvious and unsettling to believers. So, what does the Bible say about how Christians should relate to the government?
One of the first things I notice is that every government is put in place by God.
Jesus answered [Pilate], "You would have no authority over me at all unless it had been given you from above." (John 19:11)
There is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God (Rom. 13:1).
Second, God uses even sinful governments to do His will.
Truly in this city there were gathered together against your holy servant Jesus, whom you [God] anointed both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, to do whatever your hand and your plan had predestined to take place. (Acts 4:27-28)
Third, we ought to pray for those who govern us.
First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings, and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. (1 Tim. 2:1-2)
Fourth, we should honor and submit to those who govern us.
Jesus said to them, "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's." And they marveled at Him. (Mark 12:17)
Finally, Christians should disobey governing authorities when it directly contradicts biblical principles.
"But so that it spreads no further among the people, let us severely threaten them, that from now on they speak to no man in this name." So they called them and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered and said to them, "Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard."
So, what should these pastor's responses be, and the Christian community at-large in Houston, TX?
1. First, these pastors should openly refuse to hand over any sermons to the city of Houston. This is in direct violation of their First Amendment right of free speech.
2. Their churches should retain legal counsel to fight these discriminatory acts.
3. Churches all over Texas and across the country should flood the city of Houston with emails, letters, and phone calls denouncing their dictatorial policies.
4. The Christians in Houston, TX should make their voices heard at the voting booths to oust Annise Parker.
5. Christians across the United States need to pray for Annise Parker's salvation. We are called to pray for our government leaders. Christ died for her and longs to see her come to faith.
Let us rally around our brothers and sisters in Houston, TX and pray for God to intervene in Annise Parker's life and let her see the error of her ways.
Serving Christ, Loving Others, and Growing Together,
Dr. Bryan Cox
