Romans 13
This short but poignant chapter speaks volumes during these times of disrespect and contempt for the government. For it matters not who sits in the oval office or who leads parliament nor does it matter who sits upon distant thrones in distant lands because the Lord your God placed them there for a reason. And it’s because of this that Paul reminds his readers to respect their authority and obey their laws. They would have no power except that it was given to them by God (v. 1)…
It is especially important that we are reminded of this fact during an election year. As Christians we should look past all the campaign rhetoric and look to God for guidance. If we do so we will not see Democrat, Republican, Independent, Cool Moose, Federalist, etc. What we will see is the will of God in our life and it is that will that should be guiding us along the path of righteousness because our responsibility is first to God and not to man. Someone will get elected and who ever that person is will be the one God intends to be there. Of course, that doesn’t exclude you from performing your duty as a citizen by voting. God works through people and you are that instrument when you vote.
Take a moment to reflect on your daily routine. Do you speed on the highway? Fudge on your taxes? Commit any kind of misdemeanor? Everyone does, I know, but does that make it alright? No. Am I innocent? Not in the least. Of course, I can’t remember ever cheating on my taxes. But that’s beside the point. What I’m talking about is doing that which you know is against what the laws of land say are permissible.
For government is God’s servant to you for good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, because it does not carry the sword for no reason. For government is God’s servant, an avenger that brings wrath on the one who does wrong. (Romans 13:4, HCS)
Paul is not talking about laws that go against God’s law. No, he’s talking about being a good citizen and doing that which is good. What is meant by being a good citizen? Paul talks about this in Galatians 5. Particularly, that which should flow out of a believer naturally, the fruit of the Spirit.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law. (Galatians 5:22-23, HCS)
Now look back on those things that you do that you know are wrong. Did you do them because of the love within you? How about the patience or self-control? Was it because your joy was over-flowing? What about that guy that cut you off on the highway? Was it kindness that caused you to tail gate to show you disapproval?
Everyone must submit to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except from God, and those that exist are instituted by God. (Romans 13:1, HCS)
