The Case for Civil Disobedience
Day 1: The Source of All Authority
Reading: Romans 13:1-7; 1 Peter 2:13-17
Devotional: Every authority structure you encounter today—your employer, government officials, even traffic laws—exists because God has ordained it. This truth transforms how you view Monday morning. Your boss doesn't have ultimate authority; God does. When you submit to earthly authorities, you're first responding to Christ's lordship over your life. This doesn't mean blind obedience, but it does mean approaching authority with reverence, knowing God designed these structures for human flourishing. Today, ask yourself: Am I honoring the authorities in my life as an act of worship to God? Where am I resisting authority out of pride rather than principle? Remember, your submission to delegated authority is ultimately submission to the One who delegated it.
Day 2: Respect Without Compromise
Reading: 1 Peter 2:18-20; Daniel 1:1-21
Devotional: Respect those in authority "not only to the good and gentle, but also to the unjust." This is a hard pill to swallow. You may work for someone who lacks character, integrity, or kindness. Yet God calls you to honor that position, not because they've earned it, but because God has placed them there. Daniel faced this exact tension—serving pagan kings while refusing to compromise his devotion to God. He showed respect through his demeanor while drawing clear boundaries about defilement. You can honor your employer's position while refusing to sin at their command. Today, consider: Where am I confusing respect for authority with endorsement of their character? Can I honor the office while maintaining my convictions?
Day 3: When Obedience to Man Means Disobedience to God
Reading: Acts 5:17-32; Exodus 1:8-21
Devotional: "We must obey God rather than men." These words from Peter define biblical civil disobedience. The Hebrew midwives faced Pharaoh's genocidal command and chose life. They feared God more than the king, and God blessed their courage. Civil disobedience isn't about protecting your rights or venting frustration—it's about doing good when authorities call it evil. It's continuing to meet when gathering is forbidden. It's refusing to participate in injustice even when compliance would be easier. It's trusting God to provide when standing firm might cost your job. The question isn't whether you'll face this choice, but whether you'll have the courage to choose rightly when you do. Are you prepared to lose everything to gain Christ?
Day 4: Working for an Audience of One
Reading: Colossians 3:22-24; Ephesians 6:5-9
Devotional: Your work is worship when done for Christ's glory. Whether you're sweeping floors or signing contracts, you serve the Lord, not ultimately your employer. This transforms mundane tasks into sacred acts. Show up on time—for Jesus. Give excellent work—for Jesus. Maintain a good attitude with difficult coworkers—for Jesus. Your boss may never notice or appreciate your efforts, but your Master in heaven sees everything. He rewards faithfully. This perspective also liberates you from people-pleasing and fear. You don't need to compromise your integrity to keep your job because God is your provider, not your paycheck. Today, approach every task asking: Am I doing this as unto the Lord? Does my work reflect His excellence and character?
Day 5: Suffering for Doing Good
Reading: 1 Peter 2:21-25; Daniel 6:1-28
Devotional: Christ suffered unjustly, leaving you an example to follow in His steps. When you suffer for doing good—when you're passed over for promotion because of your faith, mocked for your convictions, or threatened for your obedience to God—you participate in Christ's suffering. This is "a gracious thing in the sight of God." Daniel knew the law forbidding prayer would cost him the lion's den, yet he opened his windows and prayed anyway. He trusted the God who judges justly more than the king who judged foolishly. Your willingness to suffer for righteousness becomes a testimony that transforms culture from the ground up. The gospel changes hearts, and changed hearts change societies. Will you have the courage to do good regardless of consequences, trusting your Shepherd and Overseer to care for your soul?
Reading: Romans 13:1-7; 1 Peter 2:13-17
Devotional: Every authority structure you encounter today—your employer, government officials, even traffic laws—exists because God has ordained it. This truth transforms how you view Monday morning. Your boss doesn't have ultimate authority; God does. When you submit to earthly authorities, you're first responding to Christ's lordship over your life. This doesn't mean blind obedience, but it does mean approaching authority with reverence, knowing God designed these structures for human flourishing. Today, ask yourself: Am I honoring the authorities in my life as an act of worship to God? Where am I resisting authority out of pride rather than principle? Remember, your submission to delegated authority is ultimately submission to the One who delegated it.
Day 2: Respect Without Compromise
Reading: 1 Peter 2:18-20; Daniel 1:1-21
Devotional: Respect those in authority "not only to the good and gentle, but also to the unjust." This is a hard pill to swallow. You may work for someone who lacks character, integrity, or kindness. Yet God calls you to honor that position, not because they've earned it, but because God has placed them there. Daniel faced this exact tension—serving pagan kings while refusing to compromise his devotion to God. He showed respect through his demeanor while drawing clear boundaries about defilement. You can honor your employer's position while refusing to sin at their command. Today, consider: Where am I confusing respect for authority with endorsement of their character? Can I honor the office while maintaining my convictions?
Day 3: When Obedience to Man Means Disobedience to God
Reading: Acts 5:17-32; Exodus 1:8-21
Devotional: "We must obey God rather than men." These words from Peter define biblical civil disobedience. The Hebrew midwives faced Pharaoh's genocidal command and chose life. They feared God more than the king, and God blessed their courage. Civil disobedience isn't about protecting your rights or venting frustration—it's about doing good when authorities call it evil. It's continuing to meet when gathering is forbidden. It's refusing to participate in injustice even when compliance would be easier. It's trusting God to provide when standing firm might cost your job. The question isn't whether you'll face this choice, but whether you'll have the courage to choose rightly when you do. Are you prepared to lose everything to gain Christ?
Day 4: Working for an Audience of One
Reading: Colossians 3:22-24; Ephesians 6:5-9
Devotional: Your work is worship when done for Christ's glory. Whether you're sweeping floors or signing contracts, you serve the Lord, not ultimately your employer. This transforms mundane tasks into sacred acts. Show up on time—for Jesus. Give excellent work—for Jesus. Maintain a good attitude with difficult coworkers—for Jesus. Your boss may never notice or appreciate your efforts, but your Master in heaven sees everything. He rewards faithfully. This perspective also liberates you from people-pleasing and fear. You don't need to compromise your integrity to keep your job because God is your provider, not your paycheck. Today, approach every task asking: Am I doing this as unto the Lord? Does my work reflect His excellence and character?
Day 5: Suffering for Doing Good
Reading: 1 Peter 2:21-25; Daniel 6:1-28
Devotional: Christ suffered unjustly, leaving you an example to follow in His steps. When you suffer for doing good—when you're passed over for promotion because of your faith, mocked for your convictions, or threatened for your obedience to God—you participate in Christ's suffering. This is "a gracious thing in the sight of God." Daniel knew the law forbidding prayer would cost him the lion's den, yet he opened his windows and prayed anyway. He trusted the God who judges justly more than the king who judged foolishly. Your willingness to suffer for righteousness becomes a testimony that transforms culture from the ground up. The gospel changes hearts, and changed hearts change societies. Will you have the courage to do good regardless of consequences, trusting your Shepherd and Overseer to care for your soul?