Responsible Citizen

Today's devotional is an excerpt from my book, 52 Days of Grace, available now on Amazon.

Responsible Citizen

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 authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience.  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 13:1-7 

Rebelling against authority.  We’ve all done it at one time or another, whether it be against our parents, teachers, principals, bosses, political leaders, the IRS or even law enforcement.  There is something in the human spirit which wants to do things our way.  This is never more obvious than in the eyes of a two-year-old who does not want to eat.  You can see the determination to hold out against his parent’s direction to “eat.”  No amount of coaxing will get the stubborn toddler to give in.  The strength of our will is amazing.  It reminds me of a story I heard about a four-year old girl who learned one of the names of God is “I am That I Am”.  True to her contrary spirit, she strode around the house for days after watching the movie The Ten Commandments pronouncing, “I’m not that I’m not.”

In looking closer at this passage, however, I can see how much trouble this spirit of rebellion makes in my heart.  When I rebel against any authority placed over me, I am rebelling against God who placed them in that position.   Nothing happens outside the will of God.   I am to submit myself for the Lord’s sake to authority instituted by men.  (I Peter 2:13-14) It is not to keep me out of trouble, although that is a nice side-effect, or to make me look especially good, but it is to reflect well on the God I claim to follow.  When we refuse to pay taxes, we look just like the rest of the world.  When we do the right thing despite our disagreement with it, we honor the God we worship.  In turn, others take note and wonder Who this God is that even His people obey rules made my men. 

A responsible believer is a responsible citizen, to the glory of God!

How have you been rebellious against authority, especially when it seemed unfair?

Have you considered how this disobedience reflects on God?

What kind of a testimony does your life give to those who are watching?

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for being a God who is just.  Help me to leave justice to You and to follow the directives of those You have placed in authority over me.  It is not always easy to do the right thing, but help me to keep in mind that every decision I make reflects on You.  It is my desire to live a life that points to You.

In Jesus’ Name I pray,

Amen.

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