Sometimes we do things for the sake of other people. We would not choose to do it for ourselves, but we do it anyway—for their sake.
Christians around the world find themselves in many different governmental situations. Some have kings – some live under dictators. Can you imagine living in Cuba, under Fidel Castro? Well, God doesn’t distinguish between types of government and good and bad rulers, when He tells us in 1 Peter 2:13, “…submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority, whether to a king…or governors…” Why should a Christian in Cuba obey Castro? This text says, “…for the Lord’s sake.”
“For the sake of” in the Greek text is the preposition, “dia” used with the accusative case. And it means “on account of” or “because of.” Literally it says then, that we are to submit to government authority “because of the Lord.”
Listen—religious conscience is one thing; but civil disobedience is still disobedience. When Christians break legitimate laws, even for good causes, they bring reproach upon the name of Christ. On the other hand, when Christians are law-abiding citizens, even when voicing their dissent, they bring honor to the name of Christ. Peter expresses it this way, in verse 15, “For such is the will of God that by doing what is right you may silence the ignorance of foolish men.” So, submit…for the sake of the Lord.
Say—don’t forget to vote! That’s how you can change things.