You know, i've been thinking a lot lately. With everything going on in the political world from gay marriages, to gun laws, to anti religious lawsuits, and the boston bombings, it's kinda been a whirlwind of drama. On top of that, there is the government sequester forcing budget cuts across so many areas. I have friends who are being forced to take time off. In all of this, i hear people bashing our president bashing our government and bashing everything else in between.
I'll admit, too, that i was one of the bashers, (i mean, really, who hasn't been?) I've disagreed with a lot of things, i've supported just as many different things, and i've sat and debated with countless people about how good or bad a job our government is doing, and what they should and shouldn't be doing to make things better or worse. As i've been growing closer to God though, and been studying and praying, God has put it on my heart to stop the bashing. He wants me to stop the criticizing, the blaming, and the senseless chatter. God is telling me to stop the nonsense and obey His commands. By obeying his commands that means to obey the government. If you know your bible, then you know that in Romans 13:1, it says to "Let every soul be subject to the governing authority."
Now, at the same time though, while this is telling me to obey my government, I need to remember that God's law trumps any of man's law. The apostles state in the books of Acts "We ought to obey God rather than men." If the government passes a law saying I cannot pray in public, but God calls me to pray, then i will pray. If I'm told by the government i cannot preach, but God calls me to preach then i will preach. Fortunately, we aren't at the point, yet, but i fear we may be getting closer by the day.
Regardless, we are to obey and respect our government, even if we disagree with what they choose to believe. Can we stand up for what we believe in? Sure, but there is no need to bash and trash and blame the government that has been appointed by God. We are also to pray for our leaders, the same way we pray for our friends and our enemies. God has put this on my heart for some time now, and I will do my best to obey God. This means no more speeding, no more rolling stops, no more racing to "beat" red lights, as well as no more griping when paying taxes, or complaining when i don't agree with something my elected officials decide, and if you see me doing any of things feel free to call me on it, knowing that i will do the same for you if necessary.
Romans 13:1-7 - 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. 2 Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same. 4 For he is God’s minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil. 5 Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience’ sake. 6 For because of this you also pay taxes, for they are God’s ministers attending continually to this very thing. 7 Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor.
In God's Love,
Jaime Whosoever
I wish I had known the Bible verse(s) related to this during the November elections! I said as much when the results were all in and I saw many a disappointed person. I, too, tried to remind everyone that things have turned out how they were meant to and that our elected folks and our country need our prayers, too. Good post, my friend!
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