Bible Study with Danelle

Whether it is our federal, state or local government some of us may doubt they were placed by God. Or if they even know God.

When I read the first verse of Romans 13, it is a great reminder than even if I don’t fully understand why someone has the power or role they have, God has placed them there for a reason. This goes for any governing leader from the beginning of time. There is a reason for their rule. God will be glorified in some way. Sometimes that is hard to accept.

Paul tells us that our job as a Christian is to be as respectful as possible to our leaders (although that is NOT always easy). That all governing leaders have been instituted by God. When you think of some, you may question this. I know I have.

This does not mean, however, that if the government goes against God we have to comply. If you go back into the Old Testament you will find many examples of people of God that went against the governing body of the time because it conflicted with God’s law. The midwives in Egypt that saved Moses. Joseph’s refusal to commit adultery with Potiphar’s wife. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refusal to bow down and worship the king as god. Even Paul and the other apostles spent many years in jail or died for preaching about Jesus.

While we must obey the governments laws, pay our taxes, etc., we do not have to go against God’s law. This is a challenging time as a Christian. I pray we can all do our best to discern God’s law from man’s.

Paul finishes this section reminding us that love is the greatest commandment. These last verses are like a call to action. He urges us to put on the armor of light. We must walk and act like Jesus. We must imitate his example in our life.

I pray today that you will put on the armor of light. I pray that you will be praying for our government and leaders. Pray that God will be guiding their thoughts and actions.