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July 21 Daily Devotional

Obey, Pay, Pray

Peter G. Feenstra

Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Romans 13:1

Bible Reading

Romans 13:1–7

Devotional

Do you tend to be critical of the government? The patterns are so predictable! On election night supporters of a newly elected government are excited by the prospect of change, but soon the opinion polls show signs of growing dissatisfaction among the constituents. People get tired of hearing about scandals, government corruption and broken promises. Some of the criticism is in place. Legislation is introduced and laws are implemented that are immoral, godless and unbiblical. Sometimes we feel overtaxed and burdened by decisions that lack common sense.

Is it proper for Christians to go with the flow of public opinion and be negative about the government? Are we allowed to protest government action or defy its policies? The Bible is very clear and concise about our task toward those who are placed over us. The church is not the official opposition. The Lord does not even demand of us that we become politicians, lobbyists or political activists. He doesn’t expect us all to know the ins and outs of what goes on in parliament any more than He expects everyone to have an interest in the stock market.

The Lord requires three things of us: obey, pay and pray. First, we are to recognize the place God has given to the governing authorities. Paul writes in Romans 13:1–2, “Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves.” All governing officials are to be respected and honoured because they are God’s ministers (13:4). In the second place we are called to render them their due, including the paying of taxes (13:6–7). That’s something we need to keep in mind every time we file our income tax returns. Third, we are to pray for those who are set over us. The apostle Paul makes this point with Timothy in his first letter. He writes, “Therefore, I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.” (1 Tim 2:1–2) Let’s keep in mind our political calling that can be summarized by the acronym “OPP”—obey, pay, pray.

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