Mandates and Christian Response

A mandate is an official order or commission to do something. Yet just because authorities require a certain action, there are usually valid alternatives which may be acceptable if the matter can be discussed logically. Daniel suggested a replacement diet to the food that being a Jew would have defiled him and his associates, and reluctantly this was permitted and proved a good option (Dan 1:8).

Understanding Governmental Authority

We are to obey authorities as they are God's representatives. The Bible teaches that all authority comes from God and those in positions of power have been established by Him (Rom 13:1). As His representatives, they are tasked with maintaining order, justice, and the common good within society.

However, we are not to be blind sheep following all the mandates made by an ungodly government. Increasingly governments have their own agendas, with pressure from organisations such as the World Economic Forum and the New World Order, issuing directives that defy logic or commonsense and are not for the benefit of mankind. In good faith and conscience, we can voice our disapproval in appropriate, lawful ways in areas where the government exceeds their authority and constitutional legal powers.

However, when those in authority over us instruct us to do what does not contradict the Word of God, it is our responsibility to submit and fully obey, even if it makes us uncomfortable or seems unreasonable (Rom 13:1-2). We are to submit right up to the point where obedience to the state would necessitate disobedience to God. The Bible's instruction to slaves was to submit to their masters, even the harsh ones, as this is following in the steps of Jesus who entrusted Himself to God who judges and rewards justly (1 Pet 2:18-23).

God's Word supersedes man's

If instructed to do something contrary to what God has instructed in His word, we have permission, and in fact an obligation, to disobey—for we "must obey God rather than man" (Act 5:29). God is the supreme 'maker of orders' and we are to be loyal to Him and prepared to accept without complaint or protest any consequences for disobeying human authority.

When we disobey man's rules, we must be prepared to face the consequences, just like disobeying God's—there is always a price to pay. The three Hebrews were willing to be thrown into the fiery furnace rather than bow to Nebuchadnezzar's golden image (Dan 3:16-18), and Daniel was willing to be cast into the lions' den rather than cease praying to God (Dan 6:10,16). In both cases, God honoured their faithfulness and delivered them, but they were prepared to face the consequences of their civil disobedience.

When Civil Disobedience Becomes a Christian Duty

When the government prohibits what God commands, or when the government commands what God prohibits, the Christ-follower must disobey human authority. Thus, whenever laws are enacted which contradict God's law, civil disobedience becomes a Christian duty. This demonstrates our submissiveness to God, not our defiance of government. As believers, we are to love, worship and serve God (Deut 6:13; Mt 4:10; Mk 12:30).

Even though a government establishes a law, this does not mean it is just and for the common good of the citizens. It is wrong and a misuse of power for a state to force or mandate its residents in moral issues, as it is outside their scope of delegated authority which is to judge what is evil and reward what is good (Rom 13:3-5; 1 Pet 2:13-14). The law does not dictate our ethics. God does.

Exceptions to obedience

The exceptions to obeying human authorities include when we are instructed to: kill someone (Ex 1:15-21, 20:13); engage in worship of someone or something other than God (Ex 20:5; Dan 3:14); not to pray (Dan 6:7,11-12); stop sharing the gospel (Mt 28:19-20; Act 4:17-20, 5:27-29,40-42); or submit to medical procedures such as vaccinations you are not comfortable with, as your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit and it is your responsibility to treat it with the highest respect (1 Cor 3:16, 6:19-20).

Reflection and Application:

Consider whether there are any current mandates that conflict with your understanding of God's Word.
Pray for wisdom to discern when submission to authority ends and obedience to God begins.
Prepare your heart to accept consequences gracefully if you must choose God over government.
Remember that your ultimate allegiance belongs to God, who judges and rewards justly.