An ongoing question asked by many Christians is: “What exactly do we owe our governing authorities?” Suppose someone is put into office that we have not elected. After all, in America, we have a representative, democratic voting process that allows us to choose who rules us and how we are to be ruled. However, the “majority” rules in a democracy. Someone may ask, “What if the majority of our voters decide to throw away the Biblical principles that have guided America from its beginning?” The mere idea seemed unthinkable to me until recent events. America is losing her way.First, the apostles commanded Christians to OBEY the governing authorities. Paul said, “Everyone must submit himself 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, he who 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 he will commend you. For he is God’s servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God’s servant, an agent 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 because of conscience” (Romans 13:1-6). Peter said the same thing as Paul in his first letter to Christians who were scattered throughout different countries and governments (1 Peter 2:13-17).
Second, the apostles commanded Christians to PAY the governing authorities. Paul also said, “This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.” (Romans 13:6-7). Even Jesus paid taxes to Israel's government (Matthew 17:24-27) and to Rome's government (Matthew 22:15-22).
Finally, the apostles commanded Christians to PRAY for the governing authorities. Paul told Timothy, “I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:1-4). The truth is that governments need God's word and God's people to guide their decisions. Christians must serve diligently as a moral beacon of faith, hope and love. More than ever, we must “obey, pay and pray” for our governments.
By Jim Morris
Activity For The Day - WORD SHAPES
Article taken from Jim's Archive
