respecting authority

Today in the One Year Bible, we read from Romans 13:1-14. And it is important to remember when reading this that Paul is writing this letter from prison, where he was being kept prisoner for preaching the gospel. These same people who imprisoned him would later kill him. Nevertheless, the teaching he gives us was one he believed in during his time, and that applies to our time as well.

He said to obey the authorities. That they were given their authority by God, and that disobeying them was disobeying God. If we want to be honored, we should do what is right and the authorities will honor us for it.

Now, we all know that there are authorities in this world that are corrupt. That treat good people badly. That take bribes and force good people to do bad things. And there are times when civil disobedience is a good thing. When we can peacefully, prayerfully force a change in an evil system by refusing to follow bad rules. But all the while, we should be RESPECTING the authority that we wish to change. Therein lies the key. Yes, we should sometimes resist bad laws or bad governments. But all the while we should treat those in office with respect, and recognize the dignity of the person who holds the office.

That's one way we can change the world.

God, thanks for teaching us how important it is to obey, and especially to respect, those who are in authority.