gotandem "Final Authority" for Monday, 29 August 2016Read
“Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished. For 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. 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. So you must submit to them, not only to avoid punishment, but also to keep a clear conscience.
“Pay your taxes, too, for these same reasons. For government workers need to be paid. They are serving God in what they do. 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”(Romans 13:1-7).
Reflect
I think we’ve gotten into the mode where a “good Christian" is someone who votes the way we do and Lord help the people in public office who are on the opposite side of the political spectrum. But that’s really not what the Bible teaches. Instead, it says that God put these people in place, and when we mock or slander them...we’re basically telling God he made the wrong choice...which is kind of a scary thing to tell the Creator of the Universe.
Respond
Think about where you fall politically...how you feel about the other side. How do you treat them? What do you think about them? Do you pray for political leaders no matter their party?
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