Restoring Civility
Honoring Government Leaders
Every person must submit to and support the authorities over him. For there can be no authority in the universe except by God’s appointment, which means that every authority that exists has been instituted by God. So to resist authority is to resist the divine order of God, which results in severe consequences. For civil authorities don’t intimidate those who are doing good, but those who are doing evil. So, do what is right and you’ll never need to fear those in authority. They will commend you for your good citizenship. (Romans 13:1-3, The Passion Translation)
At times I wonder if this is a forgotten passage. How often do you consider Paul’s counsel here? He writes very plainly that “every person must submit to and support the authorities over him.” The current political tension makes us resistant to this mandate, but the bottom line here is that God sets rulers in place over nations.
Our resistance reveals a lack of trust in God’s plans. Whoever is President of the United States is placed in office by God. Dishonoring our President is disobeying God (unless the President is advocating something that is against the Bible). God’s Word doesn’t tell us we must agree with everything the President says or does, but we must hold him in honor. Simply put, we speak respectfully about any current President (or at least refrain from speaking against him); we pray for him and stand with God’s decision to place him in leadership.
Restoring Civility
Honoring Government Leaders
Those in authority are God’s servants for the good of society. But if you break the law, you have reason to be alarmed, for they are God’s agents of punishment to bring criminals to justice. Why do you think they carry weapons? You are compelled to obey them, not just to avoid punishment, but because you want to live with a clean conscience. (Romans 13:4-5, The Passion Translation)
As Paul continues, he writes that our government leaders are in place for the good of society. What are you thinking right now? Maybe something like, “Well, what good are they really doing?” Remember that the media can spin quite a saga around everything our leaders are doing wrong. I want to encourage you with Philippians 4:8, where Paul tells us, “So keep your thoughts continually fixed on all that is authentic and real, honorable and admirable, beautiful and respectful, pure and holy, merciful and kind. And fasten your thoughts on every glorious work of God, praising him always.” How can we know what is truly happening in our country’s politics? We won’t quite get to the truth even if we are very diligent about research, and read a variety of perspectives. Paul’s exhortation is where we make a conscious choice to trust God’s plan for the United States.
Restoring Civility:
Honoring Government Leaders
This is also the reason you pay your taxes, for governmental authorities are God’s officials who oversee these things. So it is your duty to pay all the taxes and fees that they require and to respect those who are worthy of respect, honoring them accordingly. (Romans 13:6-7, The Passion Translation)
Our government makes mistakes, they aren’t perfect, but this doesn’t give us permission to use slanderous speech or to foster contention. Instead, will you join me to supporting our leaders in prayer? If we each took a stand in our homes, workplaces and social circles by honoring our leaders, just think what God might do in the hearts of others.
Amy Charbonneau
