Today’s reading: Romans 13:1-7; Matthew 26:26-28
Let every person be subject…
Romans 13:1
There are many forms of government around the world – democracy, socialism, communism, monarchy – to name a few. No government is perfect in this sinful world, but without governmental authority, societies would be in chaos. We need order in society. No matter which government we are a part of, we are to obey authority.
In the first verses of Romans 13, Paul gives us three reasons why we are to obey authority.
- We are to subject ourselves to governing authorities because they are established by God as God’s ordered protection. Being a living sacrifice means that when we submit to authority, we submit to God.
- There are consequences to pay when we do not follow the laws set by authorities.
- We should submit to authorities to have a clear conscience. With a clear conscience we are at peace.
However, remember if human authorities contradict the authority of God then we are to be a living sacrifice and follow the path of God’s law rather than man’s.
I cannot stop here! Romans 13:1-7 is surrounded by expressions of love (in Romans 12:1-21 and 13:8-14). God is love! As Christians we are motivated to love because He first loved us by sending His only Son to die for us while we were still sinners. We follow the path of love by respecting, supporting, and honoring those in authority.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank you for providing your protection through the authorities you established. Help me to be a good citizen by respecting those in authority and to spread God’s love.
Contributed by Karen Schaller