Authorities

DEVOTION
ROMANS
AUTHORITIES
Rom 13:1-5
13:1 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. 2 Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3 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. 4 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. 5 Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. NIV
A lot of verses this time, but one thought, one idea, one concept as outlined here. Be a law abiding citizen. It is no question I must abide by the law of the land in order to be a good witness for Christ. I think at times how bad it is for Jesus when people put a symbol on the back of their car and drive like crazy people. But then I know for some years I refused to wear my seat belt, am I any better? No, but I wear it now, God did that 2 x 4 thing again. But is there anything else I have to submit to which I have not yet? Is disagreeing with the policies of the Government wrong in the eyes of God? I do live in a country He put me in and this country does allow for us to express our views especially at the voting booth, but also to voice our views freely and opening in a way to develop the thoughts of others. This is not being disobedient to the leaders God has established. Did he actually establish the individual leaders, or the system of leadership? Did He place a particular person as the supreme leader, or the way for this leader to rise to that position? True, if I do not break the law, I do not have to fear the law. But can I fear the leadership and what they are doing which will in effect cause trouble in my life? Is that a lack of faith? Is simply trusting in God a way of being empathetic in a system which allows for interaction? I know I should not be anxious about tomorrow, but does that mean not being involved or wanting to know what the authorities are doing? I just am not sure. Can I just bury my head in the scriptures so to speak? I am commanded here to be a law abiding citizen, and the law provides for an orderly society. This I agree with, and should maintain as best I can. But within the framework of the law, I am provided a voice to oppose the wrong actions of the authorities, or the overstepping of powers by them. In fact as a low abiding citizen I am obligated to do this for the benefit of the other citizens. If I love them, I should help serve them