13 Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. ² So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished. ³ For the authorities do not strike fear in people who are doing right, but in those who are doing wrong. Would you like to live without fear of the authorities? Do what is right, and they will honor you. ⁴ The authorities are God’s servants, sent for your good. But if you are doing wrong, of course you should be afraid, for they have the power to punish you. They are God’s servants, sent for the very purpose of punishing those who do what is wrong. ⁵ So you must submit to them, not only to avoid punishment, but also to keep a clear conscience.

⁶ Pay your taxes, too, for these same reasons. For government workers need to be paid. They are serving God in what they do. ⁷ Give to everyone what you owe them: Pay your taxes and government fees to those who collect them, and give respect and honor to those who are in authority.

Romans 13:1-7

Dear God, I wonder why Paul threw this part into his letter to the Romans. In context with the end of chapter 12, this is part of a section where Paul is talking about loving your enemies and those who persecute you.

Yesterday was April 15, the deadline for making sure our federal taxes for the previous year are paid. I was at a Rotary meeting and people were complaining about paying taxes. I didn’t say anything, but I was wondering where their patriotism was. If they love their country like they say they do, why would they resent the idea that we have to pay something to live here? I see verse 6, and it makes me think of that.

But going back to the part about submitting to authorities, it is ironic that Paul was eventually killed by the authorities, as were all of the apostles besides John. Even Jesus. But Jesus agreed with Paul when he told Pilate that he wouldn’t have any authority over himself except what was given to him by you.

I was listening to a man talk yesterday about the New Testament and politics on the Voxology Podcast. How would Paul have had us act through his epistles. He said a lot that I liked, but one thing I will carry with me a long time is that he doesn’t understand how a Christian can identify as a Democrat or a Republican. Either label carries with it some things that are antithetical to you. We are Christians first. Then with each election we have a choice to make, but for me to pre-label myself as a Republican or a Democrat is in appropriate. I like that.

Father, at this point in my life, I am in a position where I don’t find myself having to stand up to any governmental authorities, but I do have authorities over me. At work, I have 14 board members. I have a wife to whom I am accountable. I have friends who hold me accountable. And I have people watching me all day every day who are looking to me to be an example of what it means to live a life submitted to you. So please help me to do that well. Help me to love you well. Help me to worship you and you only, serve others, and rest in your Holy Spirit. Oh, Holy Spirit, inspire me, comfort me, teach me, and love through me.

I offer this prayer to you in Jesus and with that same Holy Spirit, my Paraclete,

Amen