Remind the People

DEVOTION
TITUS
REMIND THE PEOPLE
Titus 3:1-2
3:1 Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, 2 to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men.
NIV
Does God actually think as a believer I would not subject myself to the laws of the land, or that any of my fellow believers would not as well? Maybe so, and that is why I am reminded as well as instructed to remind the others. I think we all need to keep reminding the others, especially when we are in our cars. Surely that was not a problem when this was written, and the rulers and authorities had far greater power over the life and death of their subjects then they do today. However these rulers and authorities of today still have power to make laws which affect the way in which we interact within society. But what about the laws which might well forbid prayer in school or any other prayer or action which would be said is in violation of separation of church and state? Does the “I answer to a higher power” hold water in light of this reminder? It seems to me the higher power has said to be subject to the rulers and authorities and to obey, and do whatever is good. It would seem I should not, and I should remind others that we should not slander anyone, even those rulers who we strongly disagree with in regard to their ideologies and policies. I think living peaceably and considerate in our society is not that difficult. I think I have failed at times, openly being vocal about my discord and disgust with some of the rulers and authorities. Our society surely permits such open discussion, under the guise of free speech, opposing and even defaming the character and policies of those in authority, but the Word of God does not. In this culture it is more than appropriate to cast my vote privately opposing the current ruler, but it is not appropriate for me or any other believer to openly oppose them in interactions with others. I think that does not show true humility toward all men, in fact, I think it shows quite the opposite, pride. In light of this reminder, it is time to take a stand, it is time to be who God declares I should be, and to remind my fellow believers of the same course expected of them by our Lord and God. I will consider myself reminded, and I will continue to remind the people.