Those in Authority

“Pay your taxes, too, for these same reasons. For government workers need to be paid. They are serving God in what they do.” Romans 13:6

I wonder how many of us have ever walked into the IRS with our tax check in hand and thanked God for the government workers because they are serving God? I have to admit, that has not necessarily been my attitude. But the Bible tells us that all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. It doesn’t mean we agree with every decision they make or every policy they stand behind, but we are to give respect and honor to those who are in authority.

Following the tense 2020 American presidential election, one of my friends posted this on social media:

“Well, it appears that it’s over. In a couple of months, we will have a new president. Yes, ‘we.’ It doesn’t matter if you voted for him or not, if you are an American, he will be your president. I reserve the right to disagree with him, as I have with every president since I became an adult. But he will still be my president, and I will respect that. For those of you who think our country won’t survive his presidency, our constitution delineates the separation of powers for a reason. One man can only do so much damage. So chill everyone.”

You don’t have to agree. But it is our duty as children of God to give respect and honor to those who are in authority.