To whom do we owe allegiance? God, or man?
Are Christians above the law of the land? Does our Christian responsibility supersede that of our government? Can we simply brush tax laws, speed limits, and insurance requirements aside?
Or are we responsible civically as well as morally and religiously?
The book of Acts is a tale of action, revealing the expanding sphere of the gospel’s influence on a pagan landscape. Yet Paul was a stickler for the rules. Much of Acts reads like a listing of how to be a Christian in a non-Christian world.
Paul knew he had to measure up, even if it meant he had to follow the rules of his non-Christian world to do so.
Demetrius was a silversmith, and possibly the guild-master of the silversmith trade union. He made a very good living making silver shrines for Diana, a local goddess. He saw Paul’s proselytization of Diana’s worshippers as eating into his income and lifestyle.
Demetrius stirred up his union and created a riot against Paul and his teachings about the Christ.
Isn’t that what is happening in modern America? Christians stand for the righteousness of God, and Hollywood marginalizes Christian actors. The Media trivializes Christian politicians, and activists organize protests against the very things that the Bible espouses as good and right.
Our answer should be Paul’s answer. Acts 19:38 gives us his response:
“Wherefore if Demetrius, and the craftsmen which are with him, have a matter against any man, the law is open, and there are deputies: let them implead one another.”
Paul knew he had followed the rules, the law of the land. No one could bring a case against him, because he hadn’t stepped out of the legal sanctions of what he was allowed to do. Paul worked within the constrictions of the legal system, and he was emboldened in Christ for it.
We are responsible for following the law of the land. It’s our Christian and moral duty. We’re also responsible for following God’s laws. When we follow the law of the land, it makes our Christian testimony stronger than ever, and we shine with the light of God’s eternal love.
If we choose to live for Christ, let’s make every part of our lives live up to his exacting standard.
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