2 Chronicles 26-28 / Romans 13 / Psalm 23 / Proverbs 20:11
No doubt there are some crazy things happening in the elected (and unelected) governments around the world. There is corruption, self-serving motives, blatant evil, etc. So, how should Christians respond when governments in our nations have gone rogue? I realize I don’t normally speak on controversial topics, but Romans 13:1-7 has me thinking about how we should live in times such as these.
Romans 13:1-7
Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God.
So, anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished.
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.
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.
So, you must submit to them, not only to avoid punishment, but also to keep a clear conscience.
Pay your taxes, too, for these same reasons. For government workers need to be paid. They are serving God in what they do.
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.
I am prayerfully diving into this topic and am going to try to navigate this according to Holy Spirit and not my own opinion!
First, some in the church have taken these verses to be speaking of authority in the Church, and that is not the context I am reading. This is speaking of elected officials within our nations. I realize not all nations are free to govern themselves and hold proper elections, so those people have an even tougher “row to hoe”. Yet, they also have instructions from the Lord to follow.
Here in the USA, we are experiencing some upheavals and questions about our own elections. How do we respond? Our number one responsibility is to God, His Word, His ways, His plan, and His purpose. We will not always agree with what is being done in our government offices and we will not always have power to change what is happening if the practices are unlawful and unjust. However, we can pray.
These verses are speaking of governing authorities who are there to serve the people – the authorities are God’s servants, sent for your good. I would humbly listen to and pray for these authorities. As for the ones who are self-serving and evil, I will listen to them if they are not requiring me to disobey God’s Word or my own Christian convictions, and I will, of course, pray for them as they need it!
If you are a good, law-abiding citizen, you have no reason to fear. These just and righteous governing authorities are there to punish those who are bent on evil. I’m sure by now you’re seeing the muddy mess we are in. This world is being ruled by many corrupt officials who are only looking out for their best interests and are not concerned with punishing true evil.
That said, there are still many righteous ones who are in these positions, and I see them as they fight, speak up and pray for our people, our nation, and the nations of this world.
More than anything, the conclusion I draw is that we must pray, and we must make our voices heard in whatever way God leads. I am making my voice heard here, with those around me, and in the heavenly places in prayer. I believe prayer is our greatest work in times like these, so I encourage you to join me in that work!
1 Timothy 2:1-2 I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.
