Placed by God
Scripture: Romans 13
1 Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. 2 So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished. 3 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. 4 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. 5 So you must submit to them, not only to avoid punishment, but also to keep a clear conscience. 6 Pay your taxes, too, for these same reasons. For government workers need to be paid. They are serving God in what they do. 7 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 NLT)
It’s been a long, hard road to the US National elections in November of 2024. Election issues are pretty much dominating the news coverage and there’s a lot of criticisms and accusations flying back and forth between candidates and supporters of the major parties. This has been the most divisive campaign in my memory and we are the most divided as a nation we’ve been in my memory.
Apologies to my readers in other parts of the world where you’re not facing the same vitriolic political back-and-forth. However, I know that many of you live in situations where you have fewer freedoms of faith and expression than we here in the USA have, so you’ll find something to think about here. Freedom of expression can lend itself to abuse and abusiveness!
Paul wrote these words from God’s heart in a situation where Christians were being persecuted for their faith. He used words and phrases like: “Submit, authority, placed by God, give respect, honor those in authority.” It grieves me when Christians slander and dishonor our leaders, candidates, and each other. It grieves me when our leaders, placed by God to represent and govern us all, do the same!
Prayer:
Father, Please forgive us for dishonoring the leaders placed by you to govern us. Please forgive us for slandering and dishonoring each other. Please forgive us for our attitudes of entitlement that make us think we are somehow better than others. Please forgive us for approving those who intentionally foster polarization and disunity. Help us to do better! Amen.