“Respect everyone, and love the family of believers. Fear God, and respect the king.” That pretty much sums up today’s reading. Sounds simple enough. What about respect the king? Not all of us have a king. We do all have an authority or governing body setting earthly human laws to follow. We may not be a fan of these laws, but they exist to protect.
I admit I have a lead foot when it comes to driving. I like to drive fast. I like to get where I’m going. Speed limits are in place to protect us, help with fuel efficiency or some other reason. It was a huge realization for me when I realized that by breaking man’s speed limit law, I was not obeying God’s desire for me to obey authority. This is just one example.
Unfortunately, I still go faster than the speed limit. It’s one of my sins I recognize and need to confess often. What about you? Do you have man-made laws that trouble you? I never intend for this devotional reflection blog to get political, but when a reading like this comes up, it’s hard not to say anything.
From my perspective, there are some things that should not be regulated by man. They should be left between us and our God. God’s word is clear on the behavior he detests. He has given us commandments to love each other, not to kill, steal or lie. God is watching everything we do. We cannot hide our sinful selves from God, even if we can from the earthly authority.
This counsel today reminds us God intends that we obey the authorities and live “honorable lives.” When we question an authority because they seem contrary to Biblical truth, we need to take that to God. We are told to obey, but if the authority is telling us to do something God has told us not to, well, I don’t know about you, but I’m going with God.
It’s hard to see all of the corruption, abuse of wealth, death, destruction of property, and ambivalence toward God’s will all around us. How do you handle that? Do you ever wonder if we’ll ever see a world where there is no war or hatred, no poverty, no slavery, no breaking the law? That day is called eternity when we shall see God face to face.
That day is what we are working toward. God tells us that while we’re waiting to get there, we need to “respect everyone, and love the family of believers. Fear God, and respect the king.” Now, let’s do it!
Let’s pray. Father forgive me for not being in better control of my lead foot. Channel my desire to go fast into something more in line with your will for me. Thank you for the energy you give me each day. May I use it to help others and serve you as you have intended. Help me listen for your voice leading me each step of the way. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
