Win-Win

Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to a king as the one in authority, or to governors as sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and the praise of those who do right. For such is the will of God that by doing right you may silence the ignorance of foolish men. - 1 Peter 2:13-15

Rebellion is practically idolized in America today.

In fact, one of the most popular movies and movie icons of all time is James Dean in "Rebel Without a Cause." Of course, Christ-followers should always take a stand against inequity and injustice, we should also do so within the bounds of civility and civil authority.

Could there ever be a case for civil disobedience? Yes, I believe there could be, but Peter in his instructions to the persecuted churches of his day made it clear that our greatest weapon is not violence or angry debate, but rather works of righteousness.

In other words, it is okay to fight against the wrongs of this world. We should just do it with the dual aim to honor the authority God has established and win everyone involved.

The Spirit of God has set a great many people free from their sin, yet they are experiencing no fullness in their lives -- no true sense of freedom. - Oswald Chambers