Romans 13:1-2, "Every person should place themselves under the authority of the government. There isn't any authority unless it comes from God, and authorities that are there have been put in place by God. So anyone who opposes the authority is standing against what God has established. People who take this kind of stand will get punished." (CEB)

Think

In God we trust! In ancient Israel, Jews despised paying taxes to the pagan Roman Empire. One day, some of Jesus' opponents tried to trap him with his own words and asked him if they should pay these taxes. They were hoping to either accuse him of blaspheming Jewish law or to report him for inciting rebellion against the government. Knowing their intent, he said, "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's and give to God what is God's." This tells us that regardless of his opinion about paying taxes to a tyrannical ruler, he obeyed the Romans' authority and, in doing so, honored his Father's ultimate authority. We are to do the same. Whether or not we agree or disagree with the actions of our law enforcement officers and elected officials, they are still in charge, and as U.S. citizens, we must obey their authority. God has placed them over us for a reason and unless obedience to them will cause us to be disobedient to God, we need to respect their leadership. Being disobedient to government authority is, therefore, rebellion against God himself! If we trust God with our eternity, shouldn't we also trust him in this?

Act

Reread today's verse and examine your heart when it comes to opposing the government's authority. Then, commit to praying for our nation's leaders to follow God's divine direction.

Pray

Heavenly Father, your word says your thoughts are not my thoughts and your ways are higher than my ways. I understand that, despite my feelings or personal opinions, all authority is granted by you. You are always faithful and I place my trust in your infinite wisdom and the almighty power of your will to be done. In Jesus' name, Amen.