A Challenging Task for Most!

“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.”

Romans 13:1-2

These are challenging verses to say the least.

If we are prone to “compartmentalize” our lives and our reading of scriptures we might read these verses thinking that they only apply to submitting to the governing authorities of the church but Paul is writing in a much broader context.

For example, in a classroom the governing authority is the teacher, in the workplace it is our boss, in the city it is the police and elected officials, etc...

In every area of life we have those placed in governance over us.

We are to submit knowing that it is God who has established that authority.

Our options are very limited and are established in scripture.

Of course Paul is speaking of those who rule honorably.

We are not required to submit to those who demand that we violate the laws of God.

We certainly saw that when Daniel prayed to the Lord directly violating the command of the king.

Nonetheless, many of us balk when we are caught violating laws we all agree are necessary like speed limits or handicapped parking, etc...

This attitude does not honor God and teaches the next generation that Gods’ established authority in society need not be honored.

This will lead to anarchy.

May God help each of us to submit to those in authority in every area of our lives.