Romans 13:1-7

Romans 13:1-7 NIV
 ¹ 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. ² Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. ³ For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. ⁴ For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. ⁵ Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.

I have always had an issue with this.  I hate being told what to do.  I don't want anyone to be in authority over me.  But I have seen this in action when driving down the road and I see a cruiser.  If I am obeying the speed limit and not breaking traffic laws I could not care less that the cruiser is there.  However if I am speeding and driving recklace the is that moment of panic when I hope he did not see me.  Reguardless, God saw me.  We are to obey those in authority because God instituted government for our benefit.  Though there are times when I see our leaders acting in such I way that I question that.  Bear in mind that Paul lived in a society that hated him because he was a Christian.  Yet he still told us to obey.  The only time he disobeyed was when they told him to stop preaching the gospel.

We here in America have the right to protest. However should you practice civil disobedience in protest of "unjust laws" you may lose in court and the government has the right to punish you.


 ⁶ This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. ⁷ Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.

How appropriate that this comes during tax season here in the US.  If you owe taxes, pay them.  Even Jesus paid the tax.  Mark 12:13-17

God Bless