YOUR ATTITUDE IN TIMES OF CIVIL DISORDER AND UNREST (PART 3 OF 3)

24th OCTOBER 2020

“Then all the city was provoked, and the people rushed together, and taking hold of Paul they dragged him out of the temple, and immediately the doors were shut. While they were seeking to kill him, a report came up to the commander of the Roman cohort that all Jerusalem was in confusion. At once he took along some soldiers and centurions and ran down to them; and when they saw the commander and the soldiers, they stopped beating Paul. Then the commander came up and took hold of him, and ordered him to be bound with two chains; and he began asking who he was and what he had done. But among the crowd some were shouting one thing and some another, and when he could not find out the facts because of the uproar, he ordered him to be brought into the barracks. When he got to the stairs, he was carried by the soldiers because of the violence of the mob; for the multitude of the people kept following them, shouting, ‘Away with him!’” (Acts 21:30-36).

This is a continuation of our message regarding what your attitude should be in times of civil disorder and unrest. In the two previous messages, we mentioned two obligations for a believer in times of civil unrest. First, a believer must endeavour to pray for the good of the nation in times of civil unrest. Secondly, a believer must treat the properties of others with respect and love during periods of unrest. Now we proceed to the third and final obligation, which is that a believer must;   

Avoid Racism and Tribalism

Racial and tribal sentiments are usually a cause for concern in times of civil unrest. It may be real, perceived, or contrived, but it is still a factor. We need to remember that all have been made “in the image of God” (Genesis 1:27). All men, regardless of race, have a common Maker and common ancestry, and therefore inherently equal.  (Acts 10:34-35).

Given the history of Nigeria for instance, it is understandable if tribalism is suspected in certain events. Sometimes it is a factor; other times it is not. However, we must be careful not to rush into judgment, especially without considering all of the facts. (Proverbs 18:17).

Whenever we suspect actual tribal injustice, we should remember Paul’s instruction to Timothy: “The Lord’s bond-servant must…[be] patient when wronged” (2 Timothy 2:24). This does not mean that we should ignore the injustice. Just as Paul was unjustly treated in Philippi and made his complaint against the authorities known (Acts 16:37), there is a way for us to do something similar this day.

But protesting injustice does not mean we should participate in riots. When Paul made his defence before Felix, he said, “Neither in the temple, nor in the synagogues, nor in the city itself did they find me…causing a riot” (Acts 24:12). Therefore, we are to change the world through preaching the gospel (Acts 17:6-7), not by rioting.

Respect and submit to his Civil Authority:

The scripture says; “Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God” (Romans 13:1). Of course, our obligation to obey civil authorities does have limits. If obeying them requires us to disobey God, then as Peter said, “We must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29). But as long as we can submit to civil authorities without compromising our service to God, we must do so.

We have to submit to Authority because, according to Paul, the Authorities are ministers of God. The scripture says, “For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behaviour, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good and you will have praise from the same; for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil” (Romans 13:3-4)

God’s intention is that the civil government punish those who do evil and protect those who do good. However, this does not mean that the authorities are always right. Some act as ministers of Satan rather than ministers of God. Civil authorities acting as God intended will not punish, persecute, or oppress innocent people (Romans 13:3). If they do, the wrath of God will fall upon them.

 Paul and Silas were wrongly punished by the authorities. Paul and Silas, by the order of the chief magistrates, were “beaten with rods” and thrown “into the inner prison” (Acts 16:22-24). But how did Paul react to that injustice?

When the chief magistrates ordered for Paul and Silas to be released secretly so as to cover up the injustice done to them, Paul said, “No indeed! But let them come themselves and bring us out” (Acts 16:37). Paul did not violate the instruction to submit to civil authorities by attempting to hold them publicly accountable for their abuse of power? No! Therefore, submission to authority does not require us to accept abuse, but it does require us to voice our protests in the proper way.

While you are praying today for the peace of your country, remember to avoid riots, looting, racial and tribal sentiments.

PRAYER

Father in the name of Jesus Christ, I pray for the peace of my country today. May those who love (name of your country) be secure. May there be peace within the walls of my country, and security within her citadels. For the sake of my family and friends, I will say, ‘Peace be within you.’ For the sake of the house of the Lord our God, I will seek your prosperity. AMEN.

FURTHER READING: Psalm 122:6; 2 Chron 7:14; 16: 47-48; Micah 6:8