In Romans 13:1-2, we read, “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. 2 Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves (NIV).”
Seems pretty “clear-cut” right? Our Federal, State, and Local government authorities are to be respected and obeyed. Yet, you’d be surprised how many Christians argue this when it comes to everything from traffic laws to taxes. Some even argue regarding illegal drugs like pot, suggesting that it should be legal like alcohol and thus we should be able to use it despite the law.
Wow!
No matter what our “beef” with government, Paul cuts it to shreds with his primary point in verse two, “…he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted….” Ouch! So my opinion about the speed limit is irrelevant because disobeying it is disrespecting God?
That’s what it says.
So, if we’re serious about God and loving Him, we obey the authorities, even when we think they’re wrong. That is with one exception. If they ask us to do something God forbids or try to make us stop doing something God commands, we have Biblical instruction and justification to disobey (see Acts 5:29 for example).
So the next time you want to get indignant and ignore the tax law or the police officer who’s giving you instruction, remember that it’s God we’re obeying and God we’re honoring when we submit to authorities. This is just another way we honor him as lights in a dark world.
In His Love,
Pastor Joel
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