Morning Brew: Monday, Nov 2

Do you submit to the authorities in your life? This is not a fun question to ask or answer, but God has placed authorities in your life. They take the form of parents, teachers, coaches, bosses, governors, presidents and Supreme Courts.

1 Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Romans 13:1

These words are so hard to actually live out because we all have a ‘legitimate’ reason for not obeying the authorities in our life. Those reasons might look something like:

• My parents are hypocrites! Why do I need to do what they say when they don’t even do it?
• My boss is an idiot? He doesn’t value me or anyone else? Why should I respect him?
• The government will simply waste my money on useless programs. Why should I pay my taxes? They’re all just a bunch of crooks!

As good as those reasons might sound, they crumble against the immovable rock of Scripture.

2 Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. 4 For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. 5 Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.

6 This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. 7 Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor. Romans 13:3-7

Are you submitting to the authorities in your life? If you rebel against the authorities God has placed over you, you’re rebelling against God himself. (That’s not going to work out for you in the long run).

Prayer: God, I recognize that all the authorities in my life are placed there by you. Give me the humility to submit to them. Amen.