Thursday, October 29, 2009

Fred's Devo # 48 "Respect Those in Authority"

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. 2Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3For 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. 4For 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. 5Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. 6This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing. 7Give 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

Many people hate the idea of submitting to any authority, man's authority or God's authority, the authority of bosses or teachers. There is something in our flesh which rises up and says: You can't tell me what to do! Yet as Christians, we are called to submit to both God's authorities as well as those who rule in the earth. We are to obey traffic laws, pay our taxes and follow rules and regulations set up by our local and national governments. and obey school and work rules. Many of these laws are designed to keep order and allow us to live a quiet and peaceable life. Others seem arbitrary, but yet we are called to obey, even when we don't like them.

Let's pray: Lord I confess to you my natural tendency to rebel and do what I want to do. Help me to honor and respect the authorities that you have placed over me. Help me to understand that they have no power except what you allow them to have. Help me to pray for my leaders and honor them where honor is due. Help me to bring glory to your name by right and honorable living in my community.

In Jesus Name! Amen.