People often wonder whether or not breaking a minor government law, such as speeding, is a sin? What does the Bible say about speeding? Is it a sin to drive over the speed limit regularly? What about accidental speeding? Is speeding a sin?
Is Speeding a Sin? Is it a Sin to Break the Law of Government?
The Bible clearly says that we are to follow the laws of the land (assuming it doesn’t contradict one of God’s laws). God establishes governments to rule over citizens, so that order and safety can be maintained. The Bible tells us that God also establishes government to punish those who do evil.
Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended.
For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.
This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. 7Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.
Romans 13:1-6
Jesus also taught us to pay taxes to Caesar:
And they brought it. And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription? And they said unto him, Caesar’s. And Jesus answering said unto them, Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s. And they marvelled at him.
Mark 12:16-17
Would Driving Over the Speed Limit Be a Sin?
Since God’s word clearly tells us to obey the governing authorities in all things that do not contradict God’s direct command, it would be a sin to speed. Christians should obey the speed limits posted, and do their best to maintain safe driving habits. The entire reason governments post speed limits is so they can establish what they feel is a safe driving speed so as to prevent serious accidents.
Nevertheless, there is also the issue of what constitutes actual speeding. Since cars are always accelerating and decelerating, it is often hard to maintain a constant speed at all times.
Is going 1 mph over the limit speeding? or .01 mph over the speed limit? Or is 10 mph over the limit speeding? Going up hills and down hills, curves, etc. can easily cause speed fluctuations. It can sometimes be unavoidable to go over the speed limit in a small way (1-5 mph). So even though the speed limit should be followed, it is not unreasonable to assume there may be small fluctuations over it. In fact, many police officers will not pull someone over unless they are going more than 5 mph over the speed limit.
Even so, Christians should do their best to not exceed the posted speed limit. Being a habitual speeder is a sin, and a sign that you need to gain better control of your driving habits. Many people have suffered with a “lead foot,” and by working hard you can train yourself to drive at a more controlled pace. If you struggle with constant speeding, pray to God and ask Him to help you be obedient to the laws.
In a case where Christians feel a posted speed limit is unnecessarily low, rather than break the law, they should work with local authorities to try to increase the speed limit.
Are you speeding past life, or have you stopped to learn about Jesus? Have you accepted Christ as your Lord and Savior? Jesus died on the cross so that you may be forgiven for your sins. The Bible says we can be saved by God’s grace when we place our faith in Christ. If you haven’t done so, I urge you to repent and place your faith in Christ right now. Today is the day of salvation.