So the following is from my journaling project from yesterday. My hope is that all who read my words would take time to consider how they look at those in authority. And while I made no mention of it in my journal yesterday, a look at Martin Luthers exclamation of the fourth commandment, "honor your father and mother," might be a good idea.
November 3 Romans 13:1 Submission to the Authorities
Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.
I think that this would be an excellent verse for all Christians to reflect upon in the coming week, at least Christians in the United States. Election day is next Tuesday and it will determine many things regarding the direction of this nation. Whatever its outcome true believers should be focused upon doing the will of God. And we should also remember, whether we agree with our governing authorities or not they are in place because God has permitted it. As long as we are not being directed by the government to defy gods law, or to openly sin, or to deny our faith, then we must be subject to the government and governing authorities.
Saint Paul lived in the time we are the governing authorities are often cruel and and capricious. Yet he was perfectly willing to submit to the governing authorities and even called upon those authorities for justice as he, "appealed to Caesar." And when he could have escaped prison in Phillippi with the prison doors spraying open he remained there. Never did he incite rebellion against government authorities always showed respect.
I'd like to think that I do the same, following his example. But the truth is Paul was following the example of Jesus, who unlike Paul had whatever power necessary to overturn any and all governments. He still does to this day.
And while I certainly have the freedom to speak out against policies and decisions that the governing authorities make, and in fact I have and I do exercise that freedom often times, I still am subject to the governing authorities and must honor those who God has placed in authority at all levels of government.
Help me Lord to therefore submit to you in all things, and trust that you are in fact guiding all the happenings in our world today. I ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen.
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