The Baltimore riots of this past week are another reminder of the problems that our society continues to face.
Respectful, non-violent protestation can be a good and effective means of identifying and condemning wrongs and injustices. God actually instructs us to give peaceful protest against those things that He deems to be sinful and wrong: “Cry aloud; do not hold back; lift up your voice like a trumpet; declare to my people their transgression, to the house of Jacob their sins” (Isaiah 58:1). Obviously, some protestations can be good and helpful. God designed us free agents, and free people should use their free speech to influence others for good.
There is a big difference between a peaceful protest and a violent mob. The protesters’ words make an appeal to reason. They are intended to positively influence thought and conduct. No one is harmed by the words of the peaceful and respectful protester. However, this is not the case with the destructive and violent actions of mobsters, looters and vandals. People are injured and killed, their property is damaged and destroyed, and their livelihoods are jeopardized, in some cases, for years. The thugs, vandals and looters in Baltimore said that they were “angry.” It is right to be angry at sinful attitudes, practices and actions — Jesus was angry at certain people in Mark 3:5. However, being angry about a thing does not give one the right to sin against others. The Bible says, “Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger” (Ephesians 4:26). Anger against some real or perceived injustice (police brutality, government corruption, etc.) does not give one the right to harm or steal from other people or damage their property. Theft, murder, maliciousness, insolence and ruthlessness are themselves sinful and wrong and should not be practiced (1 Corinthians 6:10; Romans 1:29-31).
The problem is that too many American youths have no respect for authority figures, such as school teachers and police officers. In most cases, the problem begins with a breakdown in the home. Though liberals and progressives make fun of the notion, God’s model of the home provides a structure that shapes the character of children into adulthood. In the home, parents (a mom and a dad) provide the love, guidance and discipline that children need to help them in other stages and aspects of their lives. Respect for parental authority translates into respect for civil authority. The Bible says, “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4). The children are instructed to “obey” their parents (Ephesians 6:1), and those who disobey their parents must be punished (Hebrews 12:7-11). Through this process, children will develop a sense of respect for their parents and will naturally develop this respect for other authority figures, including civil authorities (see Romans 13:1-4 and 1 Peter 2:13-14). As the Hebrew passages teaches, some parts of this process may be unpleasant and difficult, but it eventually yields “the peaceful fruit of righteousness.”
Interestingly, though the above passages have primarily a spiritual emphasis, we also see the workings of God’s natural providence in His design of the home, for even non-Bible-based societies have shown success in cultivating peaceful and productive conditions. Failure results in societal instability, non-productivity and eventual collapse. People would be wise to consider these matters seriously.
Tim Haile
Excellent article. Respect for authority needs to start in the high chair not the electric chair. We need more timely writings like this to keep us thinking on this vital topic.
Bobby