Tooele Pastor Urges Obedience to Authorities Despite Disagreements

Jon McCartney argues Christians must submit to governing powers, even when laws seem unjust

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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In a commentary, First Baptist Church of Tooele pastor Jon McCartney discusses the biblical call for Christians to obey governing authorities, even when they disagree with specific laws or policies. McCartney acknowledges that not all laws are just, but argues believers should not ignore or disobey them, except when they directly contradict God's commands.

Why it matters

McCartney's perspective reflects an ongoing debate within Christianity about the balance between political/civic obedience and moral/spiritual obedience. His views challenge a growing sentiment among some Christians to resist or reject government authority, which he sees as contrary to biblical teachings.

The details

McCartney cites passages from the Book of Romans and other biblical examples to argue that God has appointed all governing authorities, and Christians are called to submit to them unless they are ordered to commit sin. He acknowledges that governments can be unjust, but says believers should not take matters into their own hands by disobeying laws, and should instead trust that God will hold leaders accountable.

  • The commentary was published on February 11, 2026.

The players

Jon McCartney

The pastor of First Baptist Church of Tooele, Utah, who wrote the commentary on the biblical call for Christians to obey governing authorities.

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What they’re saying

“God calls the believer to submit to the governing authorities. Let me repeat that. In Romans 13, in verses 1-7 God tells us that He appointed all who are in authority over us, and that we are to obey them.”

— Jon McCartney, Pastor (tooeleonline.com)

“If leaders do wrong, God will hold them accountable, but you are not to ignore the law in some effort to 'hold them accountable.'”

— Jon McCartney, Pastor (tooeleonline.com)

The takeaway

McCartney's commentary highlights the ongoing tension between political/civic obedience and moral/spiritual obedience that many Christians grapple with. While acknowledging the imperfections of human governments, he urges believers to trust in God's sovereignty and submit to lawful authorities, except when they directly contradict biblical commands.