Tuesday Scripture: Romans 13
The Authority of God
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Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established.
The authorities that exist have been established by God.
Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.
For 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 you will be commended.
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Gotta confess, this is a tough one for me.
I grew up in the Nixon era--a time of profound betrayal of public trust.
I thought our leaders deserved all the cynicism and criticism I could muster.
And our current crop of Demicans and Republicrats might make Nixon blush.
But Paul wrote these words while in chains, appealing a death sentence.
How could he possibly tell us to trust authority?
Paul wasn't naive.
He knew full well that human authorities could run amok.
But he trusted God's plan to override all human authority.
He was in prison for speaking truth to power.
He did what was right and had no fear.
Trust God's purpose and do what's right.
Do it without fear, without anger, without cynicism.
Do not think that criticism and distrust will get us one step closer to an honorable government.
Honoring God and trusting HIS authority is the only way to effect real change.
Let the witness of Native people be your guide.
Like Paul, the Indigenous people of this land have often been chained and sentenced to death.
Yet when the time comes to step up to defend this land, Native people are always the first to volunteer.
That service comes from honor and respect for this land and the One who made it.
That honor is too big to be derailed by the antics of human authorities.
Because of those lives of honor, I have the opportunity to lay my head down in peace at night.
I even have the right to choose between cynicism and honor.
Today, honor God's authority, do what is right, and fear nothing.
A life of honor, truth, and respect is always free from fear.