“All governments are under God. In so far as there is peace and order, it’s God’s order. So, live responsibly as a citizen. If you’re irresponsible to the state, then you’re irresponsible with God, and God will hold you responsible. Duly constituted authorities are only a threat if you’re trying to get by with something. Decent citizens should have nothing to fear.” Romans 13:1–3 TMT
In a time when the world feels increasingly chaotic, divided, and uncertain, the words of Romans 13 challenge us to live as responsible citizens. To the early church in Rome, this wasn’t just countercultural it was revolutionary. Imagine hearing that you should submit to Roman authority while also claiming allegiance to a crucified and risen Lord. Paul was not writing from a place of comfort, nor was Rome some ideal model of justice and virtue. It was pagan, corrupt, and oppressive to Christians. Yet Paul’s message was clear: if there is peace and order, it’s ultimately God’s order. This teaching forces us to wrestle with a powerful truth: our spiritual citizenship in God’s Kingdom doesn’t negate our responsibilities in this world, it enhances them.
A radical idea in a hostile culture
In the ancient world, politics and religion were inseparable. The Emperor was considered divine. To honour Rome was to honour its gods. For a Jewish sect claiming Jesus as Lord (a title also claimed by Caesar), Paul’s instruction in Romans 13 must have sounded disorienting. Wasn’t Jesus the true King? Hadn’t He defeated sin and death and inaugurated a new kingdom? Yes, Jesus is King, but not in the way the world expected. His throne was a cross, His crown made of thorns. His Kingdom is not of this world, but it radically transforms how we live in this world. Paul wasn’t calling the early church to passivity or blind loyalty. He was calling them and us to integrity, honour, and influence. By living peaceably and respectfully under earthly authorities, Christians were to stand out not by rebellion, but by right living.
Dual Citizenship – Earth and Heaven
As followers of Jesus, we are called to live with dual citizenship. We are residents of our nation of Canada, with laws to follow and communities to serve. But we are also citizens of a greater Kingdom, where Christ reigns as King and our allegiance is ultimately to Him. In Philippians 3:20, Paul writes, “But our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly await a Saviour from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.” This is not an escape clause from earthly responsibilities. It’s a reminder that how we live here reflects who we serve eternally. When Jesus was asked whether to pay taxes to Caesar, He held up a coin and said, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s” (Matthew 22:21). That single statement captures the tension we live in as Kingdom citizens: respect earthly authority, but remember your highest allegiance belongs to the Lord.
Living responsibly as Kingdom ambassadors
We live in a post-Christian world, a culture increasingly disconnected from biblical values, where being a follower of Jesus is often misunderstood or dismissed. But now, more than ever, is the time for Kingdom-minded men and women to rise. Romans 13 isn’t just about obedience to government; it’s about living with integrity in a world watching how we respond to injustice, authority, and adversity. If we truly believe that all authority is under God, then how we speak, act, and lead matters at home, at work, and in our communities. We are called to be salt and light (Matthew 5:13–16) to preserve truth, to be light in the darkness, to offer hope. And that begins not with massive platforms or political movements, but in our families, our churches, and our personal lives.
Discipling our families in the Kingdom
The transformation of society begins in the home. As fathers, mothers, grandparents, and spiritual leaders, we are called to disciple the next generation to walk in the Kingdom of God. This means teaching them what it means to honour authority, not blindly, but biblically. It means modeling a life of prayer, purpose, and purity. It means being present, being real, and being faithful. We don’t just want to raise good citizens, we want to raise Kingdom citizens: young men and women who know their identity in Christ, walk in their calling, and carry the culture of heaven wherever they go.
Join Us: Mighty Man Camp September 26-28, 2025 – Seeking the Kingdom
That’s why we’re inviting you to Mighty Man Camp in Caroline, Alberta, a gathering of men who are ready to seek God’s Kingdom with renewed vision and purpose. This year’s theme, Seeking the Kingdom, is a call to action. It’s a call to recalibrate our lives, reestablish our spiritual authority, and rediscover what it means to live as citizens of heaven in a fallen world.
Some of the sessions include:
Our Kingdom identity: Who you are in Christ, and how that identity shapes every role you carry.
Keys to the Kingdom: Discovering the authority Jesus has entrusted to His followers to bind and loose on earth as it is in heaven.
Living a Kingdom lifestyle in a post-Christian world: Practical strategies to walk in boldness, purity, and influence when the world is watching.
Whether you’re a father, a mentor, or simply a man hungry for more of God’s presence, this Kingdom Man camp is for you. Together, we will encounter God, encourage one another, and be equipped to lead our families and communities with courage and conviction.
Registration link: https://tithe.ly/event-registration/#/9753983
A call to be a light
This is a call to be light in the midst of darkness, to stand courageously for what is right, to love people into the Kingdom of God, and to protect the innocent from harm. Jesus said, “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden” (Matthew 5:14). In a world that’s confused about truth, may we walk in grace and clarity. In a culture that rewards compromise, may we stand firm. And in every relationship, may we reflect the heart of Jesus with compassion, integrity, and courage.
"Every day we hear more stories of families under attack and young people struggling with their identity and purpose in life. Annette and I are excited to share with you this new teaching on “Building Strong Families” and the bonus teaching on “The Power of a Teacher’s Blessing”. These resources are designed to help you disciple the families in your church and/or Christian School. Download the manuals and other free resources to help you plan a Family Blessing Day in your school or church.
Our dream is to see every family strengthened and equipped to succeed in an ever-changing world. We want to see every person find their true identity and destiny through the blessing and support of a loving father, mother, grandparents and community. Our focus is to reach Millennials and their children with life-changing experiences that empowers them to fulfil their destinies. If there is any way that we can serve you please contact us."
Neil and Annette Campbell
FFC National Coordinators
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