During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the government shut down our businesses and churches to practice social distancing in an effort to address the pandemic.  That kind of authority and decision making has the expectation of compliance.  If people do not comply, the health of others can be impacted.  There are also Compliance departments in major corporations to make sure that laws and regulations are adhered to.

Upon successful completion of this discussion, you will be able to:

• Apply a biblical perspective to legal compliance.

Resources

 

• Bible (any newer translation)

 

Background Information

 

Laws and standards can be useful to a people.  For instance, regulations about clean water can prevent the spread of disease. Today we have compliance with accounting standards and hazardous waste standards.

The origins of laws began way back in Bible times, when God gave us laws through Moses and these laws became the foundation of civil society, not just religious people.  The founders of America based many of our civil laws today as well as our justice system on biblical principles, as outlined by European thought leaders like Blackstone and Hume.  Those laws not only explained how religious people should live, but they established order and protected people from the potential abuses and mistreatment of others.  Although sometimes the reason or basis for a law or compliance standard isn't immediately clear, generally speaking most of these were established to provide safeguards and protections as well as establish order and governance that would serve to improve society and serve its best interests.

Romans 13:1-7 (NLT)

Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished. For the authorities do not strike fear in people who are doing right, but in those who are doing wrong. Would you like to live without fear of the authorities? Do what is right, and they will honor you. The authorities are God's servants, sent for your good. But if you are doing wrong, of course you should be afraid, for they have the power to punish you. They are God's servants, sent for the very purpose of punishing those who do what is wrong. So you must submit to them, not only to avoid punishment, but also to keep a clear conscience.

Pay your taxes, too, for these same reasons. For government workers need to be paid. They are serving God in what they do. Give to everyone what you owe them: Pay your taxes and government fees to those who collect them, and give respect and honor to those who are in authority.

Mark 12:17 (NLT)

"Well, then," Jesus said, "give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God."

His reply completely amazed them.

 

Instructions

 

1. You will receive five points upon the successful participation in this discussion.
2. Read the Getting Started and Background Information sections above.
3. Read about the importance of obeying the laws of the land from the passages in the Background Information.
4. Navigate to the discussion thread below and answer the following questions.
   1. Why do people resist rules, standards, and laws?
   2. Why did Jesus pay taxes?