THE CHRISTIAN AND ORGANIZATIONS postal service and be supportive of its policies. He is not under a biblical obligation to edify governmental employees and uplift them (unless they, too, happen to be believers). Nor is he asked to humble himself so governmental agencies may be advanced. With the government he has certain choices. With the body, he has fewer choices and more obligations. Romans 12 and 13 gives us additional insight into relationships with non-Christians and government. Although the focus is broader than merely government in Romans 12:17-21, the Christian cannot escape the obligation of "living peaceably with all men" and "overcoming evil with good." The Christian reacts as a Christian to unbelievers — all unbelievers in or out of government. What of the major thrust though of governmental power? Romans 13:1-7 suggests to me that we should yield to it. And note, we are reading in a book that was sent to the Chris tians in the capital city of the very nation that was oppressing the Christians. Without developing the area of Christian ethics, we should note, however, one significant qualification to such obedience to rulers or government. If human government demands that we act contrary to a specific request by God, then we are to obey God rather than men. Acts 5:29 so indicates. But there is a necessary qualification in this passage. Peter and the apostles were not balking at paying tribute or applying for social security numbers! The religious leaders of the Jewish community who had been granted certain rights of administration by the Romans (hence, government) had forbidden the apostles from teaching in Christ's name (Acts 5:28). And this was in direct conflict with Christ's command that they teach in His Name (Matthew 28:19, 20). When such conflicts arise, I believe Christians should still follow the apostles' pat tern, and obey God rather than men. Corporations, Business and General Institutions Little needs to be said about private organizations in this very general discussion. They are man-made, controlled and directed. Their goals are those set by men. True, a Christian businessman may operate an organ ization in a more Christian manner than another person, but it remains primarily an instrument whereby man achieves his personal goals. How do believers respond to such organizations as IBM, General Motors Corporation, the local hospital, department store chains? Again, no double standard exists that allows hate or selfishness to dictate our actions with unbelievers individually or when they are organized into corporate structures for business. The gray, mechanical, insensitive organizations, as Charles Reich sees them, that crush individuality, may
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