1 Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God.
2 Therefore whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves. 3 For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good and you will have praise from the same; 4 for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil.
5 Therefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath, but also for conscience' sake. 6 For because of this you also pay taxes, for rulers are servants of God, devoting themselves to this very thing. 7 Render to all what is due them: tax to whom tax is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor."
Just to remind you: Nero was the instrument of God, selected by Him, and the bearer of a sword of justice. This is the same Nero who used Christians as human torches to light his streets. Did he use justice wisely? Not always. But was he still established by God? Yes. Remember when Jesus was talking to Pilate before his trial? Our Lord said to the oft-cruel governor, "You would have no authority if it were not given to you from above." If Nero and Pilate could be used by God, why not Barack Obama, who may be a Christian like us?
The truth is the truth. And you and I need to be defenders of the truth. We need to stand up for truth. So pray for President-Elect Obama. Respect his position. Obey him. And honor God in the process. Even if you disagree with his policies.
Be God's!
No comments:
Post a Comment