Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished. 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. 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. So you must submit to them, not only to avoid punishment, but also to keep a clear conscience. [Romans 13.1-5]
The question begs to be asked, do these words, based on monarchical government, have any application or relevance to a democracy?
Then how about this question: Were the founding fathers of the USA then not in complete and total defiance of Romans 13 when they rebelled against England (a monarchy)?
In a democracy such as is found in the USA, the government is said to be "of the people, by the people, for the people..." That would ultimately make the people the "authority". How do we submit to ourselves?
Father, I am asking You today to speak to my heart regarding Romans 13 and how to properly respond to the United States government.
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