Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God.
Romans 13:1 NASB
Americans have a very strong sense of individualism. We have a tendency to become overly infected by our options and our freedoms. These are not necessarily bad things, but we can easily forget Who is in charge. Thus, we may be tempted to be defiant towards authorities. We can develop and attitude that does not honor the government. We may even quite piously say, "I have no authority but God!" But this attitude is simply sin. God, in His sovereignty, set up authorities over us to rule and to reign. God established these governments in Genesis 9 and confirms the throughout Scripture. He also takes final responsibility for them. There is not one earthly ruler that could not be taken out of the picture in a moment if God so desired it. This means that to rebel against the government for any other reason than that government prohibiting us from the basic tenants of our faith is telling God He doesn't know what He is doing. Think of Christ's response to the zealots who attempted to crown Him king before He went to the cross. His answer to us is the same. We must await His timing, taking every opportunity possible to share the Good News of Jesus Christ before it is too late.
Yes! Great words again, Brad!
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