If you were staying in Sweden, what should you do as a Christian? Several biblical principles guide a Christian. First, the bible commands us to obey the laws of a country: “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong” (Rom 13:1-3).
In fact the bible exhorts us to pray for the government: “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” (1 Tim 2:1-2). Pray for the well-being of the cabinet ministers—for the health of their families and for a heart that fears God and upholds justice.
Second, but what if the laws of a country advocate such a law as Sweden that which goes against biblical teaching. As parents, the bible urges us to lead exemplary lives. We are also urged “not to exasperate our children” (Eph 6:4). We are to encourage, persuade, and help our children understand through reasoning and persuasion, the need to do right in various aspects of life. The bible, however, also authorises us the use of physical punishment on our children when necessary: “Whoever spares the rod hates their children, but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them” (Prov 13:24).
But what about the law in Sweden that prohibits physical punishment? When the laws of the country and the bible are irreconcilable, we need to understand that we must choose to obey God over a country’s laws. But that does not mean we use unlawful means to oppose these laws. There are lawful, peaceful and God honouring means to advocate changes to policies and laws. After all, many governments like ours in Singapore are authorities that uphold justice, are wise and reasonable. But in the event that Christians are coerced into breaking God’s laws (and may that day never come), then we will need to be willing to stand up for the truth (not by breaking the law or disrupting the peace of our nation!) but by being willing to suffer persecution for our faith. In such cases, “we must obey God rather than human beings” (Acts 5:29).
This is needful not only because we need to honour God. Another important reason is because Christians are the light and the salt of the world (Matt 5:13-14): we who know God’s truth must make known the truth when darkness sets in. This is critical because: “righteousness exalts a nation, but sin condemns any people” (Prov 14:34). In this case of the Malay couple who was arrested for disciplining their son, we need to disagree with such a law as the well being of our children are at stake: “Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline will drive it far away” (Pro 22:15).