* Obedience to authority (Rom 13:1; 1 Pet 2:13; Titus 3:1), including paying taxes (Rom 13:7; Mk 12:13-17; Mt 17:24-27). Obedience is subject to the test of conscience (Rom 13:5, Acts 5:29 - “obey God not men” - and the implications of Mk 12:13-17 “render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s”). Those who despise authority are condemned (2 Pe 2:10; Jude 8).
* Prayer for government (1 Tim 2:1-4; Jer 29:7; Ezr 6:10: all three scriptures relate to secular or alien governments). Good government is the will of God. We are not to curse rulers (Ex 22:28).
* Participation in state decision and covenant making, where available (Ex 19:7-8, Dt 1:13-14; Josh 18:4; Dt 30: 15, 19; 2 Ki 11:17 and 23:1-3; Esth).
We also have obligations to one another in the course of day to day business; for example: “do not take advantage of each other” (Lev 25:17); “show yourself guileless” (Php 2:14) Such behaviour would greatly assist good government.
Modern thinking emphasises extensive “rights”. The nearest equivalent term in the OT (there is none in the NT) relates to the concept of a judicial verdict in Hebrew (justice and judgement are also used to translate the same word). When Job complains over abuse of his rights (Job 27:2 and 34:5-6), the rebukes of Elihu and of God use the same word to emphasise divine justice (Job 34:12, 33 and 40:8). Thus, “rights” are tied to a moral system and are not inherently attached to the individual. Verses such as Ps 140:12, Is 10:2 and Jer 5:28 should be read in this light.
Civic life and morals in the Bible receive considerable reinforcement from the various public feasts and festivals (Ex 13:3-10; Lev 23; Dt 16:1-17). These are communal gatherings to celebrate relationship with God, with each other and a shared history. The poor are invited (Dt 16:1-14). They are opportunities for moral education. In short, they are broadly the opposite of contemporary public holidays.
* Rights do not adhere to the individual per se, but are the product of justice.
* Civic life and morals should be reinforced in public events and public holidays.
* Christians should be obedient to authority (subject to a test of conscience), pray for government and participate in decision making.
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