#Not My Caesar, Part Two

Four years ago we published a post based on an article written by an Illinois preacher, David Diestelkamp, entitled #NotMyCaesar.

It was in response to some who would not accept Joe Biden as President and were posting #NotMyPresident.

Yesterday, with Donald Trump’s return to the Oval Office, some are offering similar responses.  Even before the ceremony and festivities began there was criticism, resistance, dire predictions, and derogatory comments about Trump’s second term. Sadly, by some Christians.

Four years ago when President Biden became President, we offered this thought.

Imagine being a Christian in New Testament times. Paganism was widely practiced. The Governors were corrupt. Most of the Roman Emperors were homosexuals and even pedophiles. The Roman historian Suetonius wrote that the Emperor, Tiberius, who reigned from 14-37 A.D. and was in power during Jesus’ day, retired to the island of Capri to engage in “wanton sexual pleasure” with young boys and girls.

Yet, when asked whether or not it was right to pay taxes to the corrupt Roman Empire, Jesus said, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s.” (Matt 22:21).

Caligula (37-41) and Claudius (41-54) and Nero (54-68) succeeded Tiberius and were not any better. Maybe worse.

Caligula is “described as a noble and moderate emperor during the first six months of his rule. After this, the {historical} sources focus upon his cruelty, sadism, extravagance, and sexual perversion, presenting him as an insane tyrant.” He is infamously remembered for his promise to “make his horse Incitatus, a consul, and actually appointed him a priest.”

While under Claudius’ reign the Empire underwent expansion and gave rise to many public works projects. His personal life, according to various historians, was characterized by bribes, murder, and dominated by sexually illicit relationships. “Aquila and Priscilla got to experience firsthand the emperor’s ire when Claudius tried to solve his problems by expelling all Jews from the city of Rome (Ac. 18:2). Comply with a megalomaniac emperor’s unreasonable edicts?” The answer? Yes.

The apostle Peter exhorted Christians living at that time to “submit yourselves to every ordinance and for the praise of those who do good. For this is the will of God…” (I Pet. 2:13-17).

Nero, the Emperor during Paul’s ministry, was a fornicator, adulterer, and pedophile. The sexual pervert once married a 12-year-old boy, Sporus, and paraded him through the streets of Rome. Described as a “brutal psychopath,” historians record his many barbarous acts against Christians as they were arrested and viciously executed by “being thrown to the beasts, crucified, and being burned alive.”

However, Paul commanded Christians to pray “for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness” (I Tim. 2:2). He further commanded, “Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities.” And he added when we refuse, “we resist the ordinance of God” (Rom. 13:1-7).

Yesterday, Donald J. Trump was sworn in as the 47th President of the United States. So, what responsibility do Christians have toward him and his administration?

Succinctly stated…

1. Pray for President Trump, his cabinet, and all other governmental leaders.

2. Respect authority.

3. Obey the law.

4. Pay your taxes.

5. Do NOT speak evil of rulers.

6. Do NOT use your liberty as a cover-up for evil.

7. Be an influence for good, giving glory to God, as a reflector of the light and love of Christ.

Our Christian responsibilities and duties are still the same as they were for the previous 46 Presidents, beginning with George Washington.

If neither Paul, Peter, nor New Testament Christians were given the option of saying, #NotMyCaesar, neither are Christians today given the option of saying #NotMyPresident.

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman