Do You Respect Authority?

PRAY OVER THIS

“Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves.” Romans 13:1-2

 

PONDER THIS

The Word of God and the Book of Romans speak very clearly about the matter of Christian citizenship.

Paul says, “Let every soul be subject unto the governing authorities.” He is literally talking about the civil magistrate, the governmental leaders. Let every soul be subject unto the civil magistrate. “For there is no authority except from God,” that is the rulers, the leaders, the magistrates that be, “are appointed of God.” Now you might think of your minister as an ordained minister, but have you ever thought of your governor as an ordained governor? “Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God.”

Who was the authority when Paul wrote this? Caesar. The Roman government was in power. The Christians were disenfranchised. They had no political power. Still, even in that time, Paul wrote, if you resist these authorities, you’re resisting God, because it is God that set them up.

Why do we often struggle with authority?

How can you show respect to your God-appointed leaders?

PRACTICE THIS

Ask a friend who knows you well about your attitude toward authority. Give that person space to speak some critique as well as encouragement.

LWF Dr. Adrian Rogers