Respect, serve, obey

God’s word says, “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.” (Romans 13:1).
St. Paul is reminding every Christian that they are to respect, serve, and obey the government that they live under. We are to do this out of respect for God who has instituted every government for the purpose of enforcing the law for the protection of the people, both citizens and visitors. All government leaders are to be shown respect and honor just as we would toward God himself. The only reason to disobey leaders is if they direct us to do something that is contrary to God’s direct commands as found in Holy Scripture.
So how are you doing with regard to this Biblical teaching? Does your conversation show respect and honor toward those running the government?
I must confess that I am not a good example for this teaching. Please, God, forgive me and turn my heart and mind to be more like Jesus. He lived under some similar political times as we do. The Roman government was not popular among the Jewish people. Government leaders seemed very heartless and brutal in their style of governing. Government seemed corrupt and self-serving rather than a servant to the people. Everyone did not seem to share the same rights and privileges. There were sharp distinctions between citizens and non-citizens. We struggle with these same concerns today.
You might also notice that we struggle with these same concerns as Christians living under the authority of God. We are not happy with the leadership of God because we are sinful people. We believe that each of us has a better way of doing things. This is true for all of the billions of people that fill this earth. But it doesn’t work for each of us to do our own thing because ultimately we have to work together to keep this world working. That is why someone has to be in charge to make rules and enforce those rules that enable us to work together for the good of all. No one gets all that they want, but we all get what we need. God has taken on this responsibility with the full knowledge that most of the people under His care will never appreciate what He is doing for them.
But you say, “Our government leaders are not God,” and you are correct. But each of them is acting on behalf of God regardless of the form of government that they use. They may not even be Christian, but they are still servants of God and will answer to Him when they stand before Him on Judgment Day. Remember how God worked through Pharaoh, Nebuchadnezzar, Cyrus, and others to accomplish His purposes? He is still doing the same today and will continue to do so until Christ returns in His glory.
So repent of the disrespect and discourtesy that you have shown to your current government leaders. Help those you converse with to do the same, for none of us gains anything by denigrating our leaders.
Become an encourager for your leaders and communicate with them respectfully and honorably with regard to concerns that you might have. Be considerate of the awesome responsibilities that they have trying to govern so many different minded people.
Be forgiving, for they are sinful just like the rest of us, and God will hold them accountable if they fail to remember that they are His servants.
Remember that God is faithful to accomplish what He has promised. His word will never fail. No government is so big that it can’t be humbled by God. Be a faithful citizen of God’s kingdom and you will know His peace.
“Do not fear what you are about to suffer ... Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life” (Rev. 2:10).