URC Daily Devotion 8 June 2026

Church and State 1 
 
Romans 13.1-5 
 
Let every person be subject to the governing authorities; for there is no authority except from God, and those authorities that exist have been instituted by God.  Therefore whoever resists authority resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgement. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Do you wish to have no fear of the authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive its approval; for it is God’s servant for your good. But if you do what is wrong, you should be afraid, for the authority  does not bear the sword in vain! It is the servant of God to execute wrath on the wrongdoer. Therefore one must be subject, not only because of wrath but also because of conscience.
 
Reflection
 
When members of other denominations attend the ordination or induction of a minister or elders in the United Reformed Church, they often comment on the part of the Basis of Union which says (in its responsive version):
 
We believe that Christ gives his Church a government distinct from the government of the state. In things that affect obedience to God the Church is not subordinate to the state, but must serve the Lord Jesus Christ, its only Ruler and Head. Civil authorities are called to serve God’s will of justice and peace for all humankind, and to respect the rights of conscience and belief. While we ourselves are servants in the world as citizens of God’s eternal kingdom.

It is a particular surprise to those who come from an Established church such as the Church of England! But today’s passage from Romans seems to set out an alternative point of view. The secular authorities – even the pagan government of the Roman Empire – have been set in place by God, says Paul, and we should not “resist what God has appointed.” So, has the URC got it wrong?
 
We will explore this question in various ways over the next two weeks. Today, we should note that the URC says it is “not subordinate to the state” “in things that affect obedience to God.” I have heard clergy (of various denominations) glorying in their speeding fines, believing they demonstrate their dedication to their calling by rushing to bedsides or funerals. They suggest that the police who stop them should see their speed as marking obedience to God.
 
But does God want us to risk other people’s lives in order to demonstrate our obedience? Surely not. This is one field where if we do what is wrong, we should, as Paul says, be afraid.
 
Prayer
 
Almighty God,
give me insight to distinguish between 
things which affect obedience to you
and actions which are convenient to me.
Enable me to be aware of the power of my example on others
and the effect of my obedience to you on those around me.
May I recognise the difference 
between state interference in Christian ministry
and those times when the state is indeed
the servant of God executing wrath on the wrongdoer.
Amen.