Expert: Pastor Don Carpenter - 5/12/2008

Question
Hi Pastor,

The speed limit is 25 mph on most local roads where I live. But no one drives according to the speed limit. In fact I don't know even one pastor who drives only 25 mph. Yet at the same time I have heard preachers say that Christians have to obey all civil laws, or they are sinning. I once hear a pastor say that the 25 mph speed limit is not really the law because the government does not enforce it. The government uses it more like a guideline to make sure that people don't speed or drive reclassly.

What are your views? Do you drive only 25mph?

Josh

Answer
Hi Josh,

Thanks for this great question.  I do not always live a sin free life.  This does not mean that there is anything wrong with the rules, but there is something wrong with me.   We are to obey the laws, whether we get caught or not.


Colossians 3:22
22Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God: 23And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; 24Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. 25But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.

I hope that this helps you

In Christ
Pastor Don