PASTOR’S PENObey God first

The First Amendment of the United States Constitution has two clauses regarding religion: 1.) The Establishment Clause and 2.) The Free Exercise Clause. Thomas Jefferson (or, as some historians believe, James Madison) wrote in 1802 to the Baptists of Danbury, Conn., that there should be “a wall of separation between church and state.”

Recent governmental events have made it necessary to revisit these important items. Let me first say that as a pastor in Port Aransas, I do not delve into these waters haphazardly. I do have strong, personal political leanings, but I do believe that my calling is first and foremost as a pastor. Therefore, I am called to preach the truth of Jesus Christ to our community. The church that I pastor, as well as our community, is made up of believers covering the full political spectrum (of which I am very proud.) There are times, though, that religious leaders have to speak up; and I believe this is one of those times.

1 Peter 2:13-14 NIV Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, (14) or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right.

Romans 13:1-3 NIV Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. (2) Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. (3) For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you.

It is important for my following remarks to be prefaced by the previous two passages. God instructs believers to submit to governmental authorities. There are almost no exceptions given to this command.

The passage out of 1 Peter was written to believers during the time that Nero was Emperor of Rome. This was one of the most difficult times to be a Christian, yet the command to submit to governing authorities was given.

Notice, I said that there was “almost no exception given.” The one exception is found in Acts: Act 5:29 NIV Peter and the other apostles replied: “We must obey God rather than men!”

Peter, et al, was addressing the religious council after he was escorted by Roman guards. The exception that I am referring to has to do with the infringement of government (whether legal or religious) on a Christian’s outward expression of their beliefs.

Recently, our government attempted to tell religious organizations what they must do in regard to “healthcare”, even if that organization’s theology and doctrine go against the government. Our nation’s forefathers tried to prevent this from happening, which is why we have these clauses in the first amendment; as well as the “wall of separation.”

As followers of Christ, we must not allow this to continue. We need to let our governmental officials know that they have crossed the line. If the government (no matter which political party) succeeds in dictating this issue, what is next? What if the government believes that the Bible is full of hatred and bigotry (which it is not)? Will we be forced to give up our Bibles?

There are Christians in many other countries that wish that they enjoyed the freedoms that we enjoy. If we are going to continue to pass down these freedoms to our children, Christians must let our government know that it is they who have crossed the line! “We must obey God, rather than men!”

William Campbell is pastor at First Baptist Church of Port Aransas.