Devotions: God Given Authority

 

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.

Romans 13:1 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

 

God has established all authority. No one has authority that God did not allow to be in that position. Every one who is in authority over us was put there by God. That includes our parents, bosses, governors, police officers, teachers, presidents, pastors, etc. Those offices exist because God allowed them to be formed, and those people hold those offices because He allowed them to take power. He also allows them to choose how to use the power they are given. We can all think of people in every place of power who abused their privilege. Unfortunately, just because God allows them to have power does not mean they will use it wisely, but they will be accountable to God for how they use what He has given them. We all have some form of power or authority, and we will all be accountable to God for how we use it.

Because God has established all authority and power, we must submit to and honor those in authority over us, not because they are good people but because of their position. Even men like Hitler and Nero were to be shown honor and respect because they were in a position of authority. We don’t have to like them, or agree with what they do, but we must obey their laws (unless they go against the word of God) and show them respect. In America, we have a delicate position because we are allowed the opportunity to vote and help decide who will be in office, but that is not an excuse to disrespect or disobey those in office we don’t like. Like it or not, the ones in office are the ones God allowed to be in office and disrespecting them is akin to disrespecting God. So we need to do our best to vote as we believe God would have us vote, but in the end we need to accept the decision as God’s and respect His choice. Remember that we are not called to respect them because they deserve it, many do not. How they hold office is between them and God, but how we treat them is between us and God. If we dishonor them, we are putting ourselves in the place of God by judging them and saying we are above the call to obedience. Ultimately, it is not about them but about God. 

Do you have the humility to respect someone you dislike? Do you love God enough to honor those He has given authority? Are you willing to be an example of God to those around you in how you treat and speak about figures of authority?

 

 

 

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