Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.  Romans 13:7

First, Paul says to pay our taxes. Obviously the money we pay in the form of taxes betters our lives through the services that this money provides…such as police protection, fire and rescue….etc. This is not to say that we will agree with all that our tax money pays for. I understand that some of what it pays for is even unscriptural. But that does not exempt us from paying what the government says we owe. This is why it is crucial for every Christian to vote into office those people who most closely follow the teaching of God’s Word, so that our laws will reflect that.

We are told to respect and honor those in authority. This doesn’t mean that we respect their personal lives because some of their lives are quite despicable. It does however mean that we should respect their title and office. Daniel 2:21 and Romans13:1 tells us that God puts rulers in authority and takes them down as well. So while we may vehemently disagree with certain political authorities, we are still to show respect for their position and title.

God is our first and final Authority. We are never to disobey His Word in order to obey government laws. If our government demands that we sin against God by disobeying Him then we are to obey God over government.

In a fallen world that needs redemption, we must learn to live in this world as God’s children but not possessed by it or conformed to it.

Thank You Father God for all Your care and keeping of me. I pray for our leaders Father, that You give them wisdom and a desire to obey You in all they say and do. Help me to always obey Your Word and by doing so bring honor and glory to Your Name. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen!