Kim Davis, is a County Clerk in Kentucky who has refused to issue marriage licenses to gay and straight couples because it violates her conscience to do so. She was ordered again and again to conform to the US Supreme Court ruling until she was thrown into jail on contempt of court. With so many arguing back and forth. Even those who claim to be Christ’s standing on both sides of the issue, the question must be asked. Is it wrong for a government employee to stand up for what she sees as truth? Is there any Scripture in the Bible that would uphold her stand or condemn her actions?
I know of at least one major example. And I’ll post it. It is from the book of Daniel.
It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom one hundred and twenty satraps, to be over the whole kingdom; 2 and over these, three governors, of whom Daniel was one, that the satraps might give account to them, so that the king would suffer no loss. 3 Then this Daniel distinguished himself above the governors and satraps, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king gave thought to setting him over the whole realm. 4 So the governors and satraps sought to find some charge against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find no charge or fault, because he was faithful; nor was there any error or fault found in him. 5 Then these men said, “We shall not find any charge against this Daniel unless we find it against him concerning the law of his God.”
6 So these governors and satraps thronged before the king, and said thus to him: “King Darius, live forever! 7 All the governors of the kingdom, the administrators and satraps, the counselors and advisors, have consulted together to establish a royal statute and to make a firm decree, that whoever petitions any god or man for thirty days, except you, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions. 8 Now, O king, establish the decree and sign the writing, so that it cannot be changed, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which does not alter.” 9 Therefore King Darius signed the written decree. (Dan 6:1-9)
So here we see that Daniel, who was a government employee had gained favor in king Darius’ eyes. But others were jealous of Daniel and sought to destroy him. Since they could find no fault in Daniel, they got the king to write a law that they knew they could use against Daniel. Continuing on in Chapter 6:
10 Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went home. And in his upper room, with his windows open toward Jerusalem, he knelt down on his knees three times that day, and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as was his custom since early days.
Daniel knew and understood what law had been passed, just as Kim Davis knew beforehand what law the US Supreme Court passed. So what happened next?
11 Then these men assembled and found Daniel praying and making supplication before his God.
12 And they went before the king, and spoke concerning the king’s decree: “Have you not signed a decree that every man who petitions any god or man within thirty days, except you, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions?”
The king answered and said, “The thing is true, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which does not alter.”
13 So they answered and said before the king, “That Daniel, who is one of the captives[ from Judah, does not show due regard for you, O king, or for the decree that you have signed, but makes his petition three times a day.”
Just as Kim Davis disobeyed the law of the land, here we find Daniel did disobey the king’s law of the land. In both cases people were quick to find fault and make accusations.
14 And the king, when he heard these words, was greatly displeased with himself, and set his heart on Daniel to deliver him; and he labored till the going down of the sun to deliver him. 15 Then these men approached the king, and said to the king, “Know, O king, that it is the law of the Medes and Persians that no decree or statute which the king establishes may be changed.”
16 So the king gave the command, and they brought Daniel and cast him into the den of lions. But the king spoke, saying to Daniel, “Your God, whom you serve continually, He will deliver you.” 17 Then a stone was brought and laid on the mouth of the den, and the king sealed it with his own signet ring and with the signets of his lords, that the purpose concerning Daniel might not be changed.
So the narratives stray a little from our modern day example. But Kim Davis was imprisoned for doing what she thought was right too. While there are some political figures in support of Mrs. Davis. Many are not. But what happened to Daniel in the den of lions?
18 Now the king went to his palace and spent the night fasting; and no musicians were brought before him. Also his sleep went from him. 19 Then the king arose very early in the morning and went in haste to the den of lions. 20 And when he came to the den, he cried out with a lamenting voice to Daniel. The king spoke, saying to Daniel, “Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to deliver you from the lions?”
21 Then Daniel said to the king, “O king, live forever! 22 My God sent His angel and shut the lions’ mouths, so that they have not hurt me, because I was found innocent before Him; and also, O king, I have done no wrong before you.”
23 Now the king was exceedingly glad for him, and commanded that they should take Daniel up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no injury whatever was found on him, because he believed in his God.
The Lord God found no fault with Daniel and protected him. Scripture states that he was found innocent and also that he had done no wrong before the king. Now as Kim Davis has been released from jail as of yesterday September 8, 2015, she is still under threat. But I haven’t answered the question yet have I? Has Kim Davis done anything wrong? If we consider that the Apostle Paul wrote, I think it becomes clear.
20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, 21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Professing to be wise, they became fools, 23 and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.
24 Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, 25 who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.
26 For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. 27 Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due.
28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; 29 being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, 30 backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31 undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; 32 who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them. (Romans 1:20-32)
Has the truth now become clear? Has not Kim Davis stood on the word of God and is blameless? Yes, just as she is a government official as Daniel, the parallels are striking. We need to continue to pray for her and stand up ourselves for God’s Truth. That Christ Jesus died for everyone who have commited sins. Whether they be of sexual immorality such as homosexuality, divorce, stealing, murder, envy we can be forgiven by repenting of these sins and becoming a disciple of the Lord Jesus who was crucified on a cross and rose 3 days later to give us everlasting life with Him. Come with me all you who are heavy laden and follow the true Christ, Jesus of Nazareth. Lord of lords and King of kings! Repent, for the Day of the Lord is at hand!
Last Days of the Age 
Today if you attempt to be a doer of the word it is mostly the other professing Christians that become the problem. They are more worried about the world than what God has to say about anything. We the disciples will be called bigots and hateful. Problem is the pure definition of bigot is the problem between God and people to start with. People just don’t want to believe there is a God that wouldn’t agree with them. It truly is His way or the highway, but so many chose to ignore this and further distance themselves from Christ. The call is to follow Him and be doers of His word. Most will find conflict with their worldly beliefs and further separate themselves from the loving God and His grace. Thank you for the thoughts He puts on your mind.
Rich
Amen Rich. We are accused of being narrow minded. And it’s true. For Christ called us to a narrow road. For wide is the road that leads to destruction, Christ said. I take great joy in staying on the narrow way. For it leads to life doesn’t it. Thanks for your words of truth and encouragement brother. My heart is broken that are now on the fast track to so many being lost to the joy of their transgressions against God. Time is indeed short.
I’ve been meditating on this for a while …
This really isn’t a conscience issue: the law of God written on the conscience is what guides the unsaved; we [believers] have the HOLY SPIRIT.
We should ALWAYS obey the Holy Spirit Who ALWAYS leads us into agreement with God’s will as clearly revealed through His words, the Holy Bible and God’s testimony to mankind and the bride of Christ.
That said, one of the great errors of apostate christianity [a pseudo religion that retains certain aspects of Old Testament beliefs and customs while simultaneously embracing the world] and current deceptions of the anti-christ is the idea that the Holy Spirit works through political means.
This is a lie.
The Holy Spirit works through the gospel to convict ungodly men of sin, righteousness, and judgment: this is the ONLY authorized means that God has granted us to convince the gainsayers.
When following God leads us into conflict with civil authorities, we should give the simple testimony of obedience to God. We should speak of the gospel. We should directly state that this is not a political issue for us, but merely an act of obedience to God on the basis of our faith in Christ.
We don’t need political protests; we need individuals obeying the Holy Spirit.
If we do this, we won’t have to worry about any worldly consequences which we may or may not experience because we obeyed God: God will mete out our circumstance according to His Word and Will.
Whenever we confront such a time of conflict, it is vital that our focus remains on Christ ALONE.
Peace and grace,
Mark
So do you think Kim Davis was being political, or do you think national political figures snuck in? The testimony I have seen is one of conscience and not politics.
I agree that you or I would not accept any invitation from candidates for presidency to stand with me. But she is still standing in her faith isn’t she?
We talk so much about rejecting the chosen vessel because we don’t like it. Why should we reject this one even if it doesn’t meet our standards? Doesn’t God choose whom He will?
Maybe I should clarify that I’m not being political. This is still a spiritual issue that we who are of Christ still need to stand against in His Truth. We need to point to God’s grace for the repentant sinner and God’s judgment for the unrepenant sinner. We certainly don’t see the whole picture, but I have read at least one account that Kim Davis and staff would bring out water to the people protesting her. Isn’t that a Godly example? I was trying to find the article. I’ll post a link if I can find it.
I don’t know Kim Davis. I do know that her belief and actions have been hijacked by the media and political parties. Many institutional churches are on her side as well. Marriage as we know it today is a system set up by the government for control. The examples in scripture look nothing like what everyone’s fighting about today. They were not worried about deductions, visiting rights in the hospital and all the many other things that go along with the governments national/local control. The piece of paper she doesn’t want to sign means absolutely nothing in the Kingdom of God. Her signature is just that a signature. What of all those men and women that apply and have already consummated their marriage? The what if’s never end. To single out this makes it easy for the onlookers to point out the hypocrisy for what it is. Making an issue of this topic while still a member of an institutional church tells me there are tons of other things that her mind and heart have yet to be renewed in. I see nothing in her message that makes her a chosen vessel. I happen to be a disciple that gets to vote in government issues. Kind of like Paul. Often he would play His Roman card only to end up in trouble. Good and bad will come of this but the way institutional religion and denominations are today it is going to be hard to find the good.
I’m sure that Kim Davis, like every other believer, is doing the best she can to follow Jesus. I support her entire walk in the Lord, as I do with all believers. I have no criticisms of her whatsoever. Even if one of us handles a situation poorly in our own fellowships, I think we have to consider the breadth, and depth, and width of believer’s course with God when attempting to rightly discern their heart.
The question that I asked God was this: “What can I learn from this situation about how to follow YOU in these last days?”
When I try to think about an issue like this [or any similar issue], my natural mind gets bogged down … so I meditate on the issue, until the Holy Spirit gives me some practical wisdom for how to live my life, if I should face a similar issue some day.