Romans 13 So Little Time
Today is an interesting reminder to submit to the government. At the time of Paul’s writing, Nero, the
emperor of Rome was in power. He
persecuted the Christians. But Paul wrote:
Vs. 1,2, 4 The authorities that exist are appointed by God. Therefore whoever resists the authority
resists the ordinance of God. For he is God’s minister to you for good.
In spite of great differences we may have with elected officials,
we still are to submit to the law. We may not respect the person, but according
to Scripture we are to respect the position they are in. Verse 8 says, Owe no one anything except to
love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law.
This owing not only means money but also respect. So instead of
bashing our officials, let us respect their position, love and pray for them
with all diligence. How much love? Vs. 9
You shall love your neighbor as yourself.
I weary of all the political bashing, the griping and complaining
that we hear all around us. It makes me think of Philippians 2:14-15 and 4:8 Do
all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and
harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse
generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world. Whatsoever things are
true, whatsoever things are noble, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever
things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of a good
report, if there be any virtue, if there be anything praiseworthy, think on
these things.
According to those verses it will certainly rule out much of what
we may want to voice. Our job is to do our part to elect godly officials and
pray with great fervency for the salvation and spiritual direction of those in
office. I often pray that God will put “Josephs”
in the path of our president- men, like Joseph of the Old Testament, who was an
incredible godly influence on the leader of his land. Time is slipping away. We have so little time
left to serve Him with all diligence Vs.
12 The night (life on this earth) is far spent, the day (eternity) is at hand.
Are we shining as lights in this world?
