Romans 13:1-7 (NLT)
“Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all
authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed
there by God. So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what
God has instituted, and they will be punished. For the authorities do not
strike fear in people who are doing right, but in those who are doing wrong.
Would you like to live without fear of the authorities? Do what is right, and they
will honor you. The authorities are God’s servants, sent for your good. But if
you are doing wrong, of course you should be afraid, for they have the power to
punish you. They are God’s servants, sent for the very purpose of punishing
those who do what is wrong. So you must submit to them, not only to avoid
punishment, but also to keep a clear conscience.
“Pay your taxes, too, for these same reasons. For
government workers need to be paid. They are serving God in what they do. Give
to everyone what you owe them: Pay your taxes and government fees to those who
collect them, and give respect and honor to those who are in authority.”
Sometimes on this blog, I will send you to another site
to read a story, blog post, listen to a sermon or something of that kind. I
want to do that today, because I think Chip Ingram gave a wonderful message on
the Christian’s response to government. This was broadcast during the elections
last year, so some of the content is specific to that. But his insights on the
government’s purpose to the people and the Christian’s purpose are quite
eye-opening. Please take the time to listen to this today.
Think about that today, and God bless you!
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