PUNISHMENT AND PRAISE. 1st Peter 2:14 . “The wicked flee when no man pursueth,” the scriptures say. Often, those in authority face the wicked every day. They know better than I what the outcome of wickedness would be if those who control public behavior ignored the evil they see. I will show respect to those God has chosen to lead – I may not always agree with them, but to their authority I’ll heed. And I will seek to be a citizen people can look to and say, “He is the kind of person I trust, so here I will live and stay.”
Our responsibility as children of God to the various forms of government is: first, to recognize that “the powers that be” are ordained by God [Rom. 13:1]. Even though we may not like those who lead the different areas of human government, as pilgrims and strangers, we must accept that they are in that position because our sovereign Lord has allowed it. Second, we are to pay our taxes to the various government bodies [Mat. 17:24; 22:21; Rom. 13:7]. We use the roads, take advantage of public services, and are protected by the police and fire departments, and these benefits are supported by taxes. Third, we are to pray for those who are in human government [1 Tim. 2:1-3]. Many of them, and likely most, do not pray for guidance from God when they make decisions because they don’t know God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Recognition of properly constituted authority is the way cooperation is maintained for the benefit of the greatest number of people. To be charged for breaking civil or moral laws is inconsistent with our Christian commitment. To be persecuted for obeying God when the laws of a nation contradict the moral laws of God is to be expected. An "ordinance" is a creation. An "ordinance of man" is a creation of mankind. Any true creation comes originally from God, the Creator, so we have to consider human ordinances, in principle, as divine in origin unless they contradict the word of God. To disobey human institutions in a general sense is to disobey God.
It is easier to do this under some political systems than under others. Peter was teaching these principles while under the rule of Nero, one of the evilest rulers of all time. He was put to death for practicing these very principles. Every ordinance that maintains the appropriate life of the citizens is to be submitted to for "the Lord's sake." Paying taxes, obtaining necessary licenses, and buying and selling property all involve costs and rules to which we must submit, even though we may feel they are unfair. Any command by civil authority to do what the scriptures condemn is a sin; we must not do it. We owe our allegiance to God and are guided by the scriptures and the Holy Spirit as to when it is right not to obey the rules people make.
The fundamental purposes of governments are to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. These “ministers of righteousness” deter those who want to do harm and take advantage of those who have what they want or are in their way. Simply knowing that the laws are enforced and that governments will punish wrongdoing helps maintain order and peace in any society.
There is an area of government that is not so well known: praising and commending those who do good. Honor and commendation are not directed toward special interest groups or made through promises, but rather toward individuals and groups whose actions include sacrifice, moral integrity, and the public good.
The military branch of government and the police force do this in recognition of bravery, courage, and personal endangerment beyond the call of duty. Gratitude and respect for those who sacrifice their own safety for the benefit of others deserve commendation and praise.
Part of our testimony is seen in how people see us act. They will be willing to believe our message, knowing it is a fact that those who love the Lord are model citizens, and the neighborhood will be safe, at least in the house we live in. It is right for me to acknowledge the good I see people do. It is right for me to give praise and honor to those whose word is true. It is right for me to respect the office that leaders hold. It is right for me not to compromise by doing what the word of God tells me.
When praise is appropriate, it should be given by me. When praise is due for some special act, I should make it known to others. That praise is always for others, not for me; ultimately, the aim is for praise to be for God and for what He has allowed.