Bible Blog: Romans 13:1-7 - August 2, 2007

How to Behave: Part V

Okay, here I am to try to write this out again. Since a friend has requested a passage summary with each entry and I don't really feel like writing a summary each time in addition to my thoughts, I'm going to include the passage or a link to the passage each time for reference. If I forget, remind me please.

Romans 13:1-7 (ISV)

"1. Every person must be subject to the governing authorities, for no authority exists except by God's permission. The existing authorities have been established by God, 2. so that whoever resists the authorities opposes what God has established, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves. 3. For the authorities are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you like to live without being afraid of the authorities? Then do what is right, and you will receive their approval. 4. For they are God's servants working for your good. But if you do what is wrong, you should be afraid, for it is not without reason that they bear the sword. Indeed, they are God's servants to execute wrath on anyone who does wrong. 5.Therefore, it is necessary for you to be subject, not only because of God's wrath but also because of your own conscience. 6. This is also why you pay taxes. For rulers are God's servants faithfully devoting themselves to their work. 7. Pay everyone whatever you owe them-taxes to whom taxes are due, tolls to whom tolls are due, fear to whom fear is due, honor to whom honor is due."

My basic thoughts on this were that it was very straight forward. Government is meant as a tool of God, pay taxes, etc... so long as it isn't in direct opposition of God's will of course.

What I got from this passage has nothing to do with giving to the government, nothing at all to do with the actual message of this passage, but it's important for me to know and try to apply to my life, so I'm sharing it.

My general attitude towards anything of a political nature is avoidance. I often form strong opinions on things, but won't speak about them because I don't want a heated debate with someone who believes differently than I do because when I'm in those situations my ADHD will pop up, thoughts fly everywhere, and I end up unable to make my point either because my mind is racing or because I can't remember supporting facts. As a single mom with a fairly conservative viewpoint, anytime I talk about politics I'm assured opposition because as a woman I should be "liberal" and want more freedoms...

The point of this is I'm not prepared. I didn't even want to admit my political avoidance here, but felt it was the right thing to do. Political discussions have a way of opening up doors for theological discussions. When you give your reasons for your beliefs about something, God should be behind it if you are a Christian. Taking the time to know how to have a political conversation and learning how to open up the doors for speaking God's word is always important. I'm not saying every discussion needs to be a cover for a Bible thumping session, just that we're supposed to be prepared with an answer for the hope we have, and ready to justify why we believe how we believe (I Peter 3:15)... if our political views are a reflection of our faith and spiritual convictions it should be evident and we should be prepared to defend what we believe... politically and spiritually.

Like I said, not what this passage would evoke in most people, but it is the message God wanted me to have right now. I'm still trying to figure out how to put this into practice, I suppose getting myself up to date on current events and figuring out how I feel about them is a good way to start, I'm also going to post here an essay that I read and appreciate for you to read... and hopefully won't falter if I need to get into a debate about it!

Hugs & Love