Godly Submission to Authorities

Romans 13

1 Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. 2 So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished. 3For the authorities do not strike fear in people who are doing right, but in those who are doing wrong. Would you like to live without fear of the authorities? Do what is right, and they will honor you. 4 The authorities are God’s servants, sent for your good. But if you are doing wrong, of course you should be afraid, for they have the power to punish you. They are God’s servants, sent for the very purpose of punishing those who do what is wrong. 5 So you must submit to them, not only to avoid punishment, but also to keep a clear conscience.

6 Pay your taxes, too, for these same reasons. For government workers need to be paid. They are serving God in what they do. 7 Give to everyone what you owe them: Pay your taxes and government fees to those who collect them, and give respect and honor to those who are in authority.

As Paul writes these words, the government is hostile towards Christianity. Yet, Paul says that followers of Christ are to submit to those authorities, and to pay their taxes. Christ followers are to realize and acknowledge that political leaders derive their power from God. Or at the very least, God allows them to rule for His purposes. In the United States of America, we seem to go through this pattern of every so-often electing into power, those who are hostile towards the principles of Christianity. Nevertheless, it is our Christian duty to submit to those leaders, to pray for them, and to do our duties as citizens of this country. All the while, we must remember that our FIRST citizenship is in the Kingdom of God. That real love discussed in yesterday’s devotional thoughts must shine through. May God be glorified by the way I conduct myself when the governing authorities are hostile towards my beliefs in Christ. May I love them like Jesus loves them. May I submit in godly humility, and may I pray for them daily. Help me to do better in these areas, Lord.