Romans 13:1-7 Submission to Governing Authorities

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. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 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. 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. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience. This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. 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. Jesus said, "Render unto Caesar that which is Caesar's, but render unto God, that which is God's. Here Jesus is reminding us that our governors are not against the Kingdom of Heaven, but support it by supressing evil. Nobody comes into political office apart from God's will. We are reminded that he who is not against Me is with Me. Therefore submit to the governement as they are God's agent for good. Daily Prayer: Lord Jesus, let me do my share in civil obedience. Let me have a good conscience at the end of the day that I did not strive against Your agents for good. Amen.