There are a lot of angry people today. People mad about masks. About injustice. About the election. About a myriad of topics and it seems to be getting worse. We Christians can sense things are eroding around us, but how do we process the times so we can help others and bring glory to God? Is our government corrupt, and if so, how do we navigate our lives under or around it?
1. Remember Authority. In Romans 13, Paul lays out God's plan. His plan is for us to understand that He is in charge. But how can that be? With the world seemingly spiraling away, how can God still be in charge of it all? Paul tells us to understand that the authority, our rulers, are appointed by Him. They are there for God's purposes. 2. Follow Authority. Now comes perhaps one of the hardest biblical truths out there. Paul tells us that we are to follow the ruling authorities. We are to be good citizens. Peter goes further into this idea in 1 Peter 2:11-17. He says to be such good examples of a good citizen that even the pagans, those who don't believe, can find no fault in you. 3. Opposition to Authority is Opposition to God: Unless the governing authorities are passing laws that demand you perform an act in violation to God's law, we are to adhere to the law of the land. This doesn't mean that if you disagree with a portion of the law you can throw your adherence away. We are meant to obey our authorities. Why? Because God has instituted them. They are in that position, right now, for God's purposes. Look at it this way...if you can't submit to human authority, how are you going to submit to God's? You don't agree with all of the government's moves, but as a good citizen you are asked to follow the rule. It is the same way with God. There are things in scripture, God's word, that you may not agree with. But you are asked, as a follower of Christ, to accept the truth and to follow it...even if you don't agree with it. Human authority is a training ground for this eternal citizenship. In our world we are seeing an escalation of rioting, dissidence and protests. But as Christians we are to be those good stewards of the word, good examples to the rest of the world so that, as Peter says, we can bring them to understanding (1 Peter 2:12).
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AuthorMy name is Philip Nerat. I am a Christian writer eager to share the word of God with you. ArchivesCategories |