--OBEDIENCE: / GOD VERSES GOVERNMENT ~~

--""Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God:
the powers that be are ordained of God." --[Romans 13:1]
--[Please Read/ Romans 13:1-7, 1 Peter 2: 11-17]

~~WHOM SHOULD we obey, God or the government? As Christians we must first be loyal to God. Does this then mean that Christians are above the government and do not need to obey those in authority? Not at all! We must submit to government authority.

Sometimes the government may ask us to do something contrary to the Commandments of God. In such circumstances we "ought to obey God rather than men" (Acts 5:29). However, today's Bible reading calls us to obey the government in all things that do not violate Scripture. We have a wonderful opportunity to be witnesses for Christ Jesus by willing obeying our government whenever it is possible.

In Romans 12:18 we read, "If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men." This includes those who are in authority. In Daniel 2:21 we read that God "removeth kings and setteh up kings." God has actually ordained the government, and if we resist it we are resisting something that God has established. Why has God ordained the Government? According to todays Bible reading it was to punish evildoers and to praise those who do well.

We are also called to pray for all who are in authority (1 Timothy 2:1-2). How shall we pray for them? We can pray that they would be willing to submit their lives to Christ and that God would grant them wisdom to make good decisions and courage to fulfill their responsibilities. We must also remember to thank God for the government He has ordained.
Let us submit to civil authorities in every way that is right according to the Word of God. ~~

--BSW/JW