Authority

July 17

2 Chronicles 10-12

Psalm 81:1-5

Proverbs 18:6-8

Romans 13

Authority

“Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. Give to everyone what you owe them: if you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect then respect; if honor, then honor. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.” 

Romans 13:1, 7, 12, 14 NIV

It is tempting when we do not like or agree with those who are in authority over us to be rebellious.  If they are not good, we think we are justified in not obeying them.  Romans 13 disputes this.  Verse 1 tells us that all authority is established by God.  We may not like who won the election.  We may not like our parents, our boss or our coach, but if they are in a position of authority over us, Paul is telling us that we have an obligation to honor and respect them.  Unless they are instructing us to do things that are directly against God’s Word, then we should obey them.  We don’t have to agree with them, but we cannot act in a way that is disrespectful and rebellious.  Jesus Himself tells us in Luke 20:25, “Give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” (NIV) Authority is good and necessary.  We cannot function in society without a system of laws and regulations.  As Christians, we should be the best citizens of any group we are involved in.  We should always conduct ourselves in a manner that is worthy of the gospel of Christ. (Philippians 1:27) We should be above reproach.  If they are not worthy of our respect, then we are to respect them since God has placed them in their position over us.  In respect to God, we treat them with honor and respect.  This is very difficult at times, especially when we are being treated badly, but keeping in mind that we are submitting to God’s authority, helps us to submit to the earthly authorities over us. 

Verse 14 also helps us deal with the authorities in our lives.  If we keep our focus on Jesus, He helps us to put aside our own agenda and desires.  If we focus on our rights and what we think we deserve, it is much more difficult to submit to someone who is acting in a way that is contrary to what we want. I’m not suggesting that we should not voice opposition to things that are ungodly and go against scripture.  But we must do it in a way that is lawful and respectful.  Thankfully, we live in a country where we can give our opinions and speak our minds, but we must remain humble and respectful.  God will honor our submission to authority.