by David Brenneman
"It is He who changes the times and the epochs; He removes kings and establishes kings; He gives wisdom to wise men And knowledge to men of understanding." Daniel 2:21.
"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. Therefore whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves. For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good and you will have praise from the same; for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil. Therefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath, but also for conscience’ sake. For because of this you also pay taxes, for rulers are servants of God, devoting themselves to this very thing. Render to all what is due them: tax to whom tax is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor." Romans 13:1-7.
"Remind them to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good deed, [2] to malign no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing every consideration for all men." Titus 3:1-2.
"First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth." 1 Timothy 2:1-4.
"The king’s heart is like channels of water in the hand of the Lord; He turns it wherever He wishes. Every man’s way is right in his own eyes, But the Lord weighs the hearts." Proverbs 21:1-2.
"They said to Him, “Caesar’s.” Then He said to them, “Then render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s; and to God the things that are God’s.” Matthew 22:21.
Regardless of what personal thoughts are concerning those in Church leadership, your job, or in local, state or Federal government...read indeed what the Scriptures say concerning such people.
Add to such a revelation the Lord's commands for all who are in Christ.
"Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve. For he who does wrong will receive the consequences of the wrong which he has done, and that without partiality." Colossians 3:23-25.
Consider as well "Therefore, to one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, to him it is sin." James 4:17.
To knowingly circumvent laws or ordinances or policies that are for certain not against the Word of God is to knowingly sin.
Another subject along the same lines is that of opinions. If our given opinions on these whom the Lord has put over us isn't going to look favorably upon the Lord we ought to keep such to ourselves.
The critical parts of anything we do in our lives in Christ is whether we are obedient to the Word of God and are walking in the character of Jesus Christ.
Our sin nature will do whatever it can to convince us of how to get whatever is right in our own estimation.
But will that which we convince ourselves of keep us right in the eyes of whom we have to do?
Would Jesus approve of your views, your disposition, towards those whom He has established over you?
Would He frown upon hearing what comes from your heart and out your mouth?
Does that very thought, that your heart is open and laid bare before Jesus, cause you to squirm?
You may not like whom He's established over you, regardless of position, but the truth of the matter is, He put them there.
When all Believers stand before Jesus to give an account of their lives...their obedience to God's Word is the paramount most important part that will be revealed in their lives next to their love of their Savior and Lord Jesus Christ.
In this, this passage too applies "Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." 2 Corinthians 9:7.
Do you need to stop and ask forgiveness for the state of your heart in such things?
Do you need to make right what you've skirted in your doings among men and women?
Review that passage from earlier. Knowing the right thing to do and not doing it, sins.
We have a calling in Christ to grow in the character of Christ. To do this daily. Not just when in Church.
Yes, there's times when obedience comes at a cost. But in the Lord we have to be obedient to the Lord.
Pray over your past choices. Pray over your current decisions. Pray as the writer said "see if there be any hurtful way in me" and to lead you in the way everlasting.
You may not be able to take back words you've said. You may not be able to make restitution for things done. But from this day forward you CAN choose to be obedient and to be keeping your thoughts on these things right in God's eyes.
NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission.
New American Standard Bible
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