"In a Pagan World" August 24 Readings: Song of Songs 5-6, Romans 13, Psalm 101:1–4, Proverbs 21:6–8

Today's Readings - Song of Songs 5-6, Romans 13, Psalm 101:1–4, Proverbs 21:6–8

Devotional 

It has never been this bad before, right?

Wrong.

Actually, as bad as we think things are they are not nearly as bad for us as the conditions the early church lived under. They lived in a truly pagan culture that often overtly and forcefully persecuted them. They were outsiders, weirdos, outcasts - hated by many and tolerated by a few. We have far more influence, even in this depraved American culture, than the early church had in their world.

But to the church in Rome, to the church in the capital of the empire, where the Caesar's throne was, where immorality, perversion, and corruption abounded, Paul wrote these words,

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

Consider the mouthful that Paul spoke in this passage. First, Paul commanded believers to live in obedience to the authorities that were in power. Many Americans resist this when there is someone in office we don't like. We enjoy the privilege of opposing and seeking to vote out our government, which complicates things. And many have used the ungodly actions of leaders to justify disrepect and disobedience. But our government is no worse than the Roman empire. We must walk under governmental authority (unless it commands us to disobey God) and be respectful. 

It was important that, while Christians would never give their oath of allegiance to Rome, they always walked in obedience and were productive members of society - hardworking, law-abiding, and peaceable. 

Paul also tells us that ultimately it is God who establishes authority and sets them in power. This does not mean we shouldn't be faithful as citizens, or that we should stay home on election day and just assume God will do his will. Human responsibility is a biblical reality as well as divine sovereignty. But God is in charge and we need to remember that. 

I'm disgusted right now at the American people and the choices they've made. We've picked badly time and again. But God is still in charge and he is working out his will. In the end, whatever happens, we can walk in confidence knowing that God is in control and his power will be displayed. 

Father, help me to remember, even in this election year, to be respectful and obedient and to trust your sovereign control. 

Think and Pray

Do you walk under the authorities of the "powers-that-be" or are you rebellious and difficult?

Think and pray through the balance of being a good citizen but remembering that authority is established by God.