LEARNING DAILY

 

Romans 13:1, Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities.  For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.

 

I have been thinking about this verse for some time; I have been trying to decide what to write concerning it.  Some of you might have wondered if I would try to deal with this, especially as voting has begun.  I will try not to ramble or wander as I try to put some thoughts together.  As you read think through what is happening around us.

 

It is clear from the verse above that God expects Christians to obey the governing authorities because He has ordained and established government and appointed the authorities who govern.  Let that sink in for a moment.  That is God’s Word not something I made up!  Government was established because this fallen world needs restraints or laws to protect us from chaos and lawlessness that is a natural result of sin.  Civil government is to stand under the law of God.  In other words, God’s Word is to be the authority of the land.  God has ordained the government to be an agent of justice, to restrain evil by punishing wrongdoing and to protect the good in society.

 

 Read through Romans 13 and you need to understand that Paul’s description of government is the way it should be.  When it abandons its proper function, it is no longer from God or operating according to his purpose.  To me, that means when the government requires something contrary to God’s Word, I must obey God rather than human authority.

 

I wish I had a pulpit this morning because I believe I could preach, almost become prophetic.  Let me give some thoughts about what I have heard and seen in the last months.  I believe looking at what a political party stands for, called the party platform, is as important as knowing the beliefs of the candidates.  If you compare the two platforms there are very clear differences in ideology.  I will tell you I believe the democratic platform contains beliefs that are extremely ungodly.  Think back to the discussion on the consequences of disobedience.  The democratic party continues to put abortion, same sex marriage and homosexuality at the forefront of what they do.  This represents biblical Israel again and we know what happened to God’s people; they were led into captivity by foreign invaders.  Their attacks on Christian beliefs, individual rights are not according to God’s standards and is abandonment of God’s purpose for government.

 

 As I was praying this morning, it came to me that this election is really about a country choosing to follow or choosing to abandon God.  Is that too severe to think?  I have watched those in the democratic party try to destroy lives of those whose beliefs are different from theirs and listened to them tell the people they will make choices for each of us regarding our individual “rights”.

 

I have heard many say this is the most important election in our history.  That is said at each election year.  I happen to believe that this is true this year.  If this ungodly set of beliefs is voted into office … that’s to be determined.  I wonder how much longer God will allow this country to do what it has done for too long now!  My goodness, I have not even addressed individuals!  Nor have I addressed why God allowed some of the people into leadership in this country and in other countries that He did.

 

Christians, you need to humble yourselves, pray, and seek what God wants.  Paul told Timothy that they were living in perilous times.  What is the time we living in then?

 

“For this man who needs amazing kind of grace

For forgiveness and a price I couldn’t pay

I’m not perfect so I thank God every day

There was Jesus

There was Jesus!”   Zack Williams

 

Even when I can’t feel it You’re working

You never stop working!    Michael W. Smith

 

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