Devotion 6/1, Captivate My Heart, Lord
Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. Romans 13:1
Just because I do not write my country’s laws and policies, I do not have the right to ignore them or to rebel against them. Even when I think the laws are horrible and destructive, I do not have the right to break them. Thankfully, however, in many countries, people have the right to protest unfair policies. And if a government’s demand is in direct conflict with God’s commands, we must choose God’s way (Acts 5:29). Still, Jesus taught his followers to give to Caesar what was due him (Mark 12:17), even though Caesar may have used taxes for unethical purposes.
Even when we are disillusioned with our government and its policies, we cannot use that as an excuse to treat other people poorly. Whether we are pro-immigration or anti-immigration, for example, the God who told Israel to love the foreigner among them also calls us to do the same, loving our neighbors as ourselves.
Lord Jesus, help us to obey our governing authorities as you did, and to love all our neighbors as ourselves. Captivate my heart, Lord, that I may be focused only on your will and to show all in my path your amazing love and grace. For your sake, Amen.
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