Read Ecclesiastes 8:1-9
Following our leaders, respecting our leaders, and obeying our leaders; truly a lost art in today’s America. In America where we create cartoons, TV shows, and music - all to mock our country’s leaders. Many people (both Republican and Democrat) hold little or no loyalty to our country's President. Nor do we like to have to abide by the laws our country makes. And if we pause for a moment, how often do we break laws we just plain don’t like (speed limits, seat belt laws, etc)?
Speaking of laws we just don’t like, I have actually spoken to Christians (who I respect very much) who feel completely justified in breaking laws they disagree with, saying that they never voted for the law in the first place. Or Christians who say as long as I’m not violating God’s law directly, I’m okay. Yet that belief is far from what we are taught in the Word of God. Romans 13:1-7 says:
"1 Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. 2 Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same. 4 For he is God’s minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil. 5 Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience’ sake. 6 For because of this you also pay taxes, for they are God’s ministers attending continually to this very thing. 7 Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor."
Paul and Solomon see eye to eye on this issue. We need to obey those in authority over us. And we must do this thing, because God has placed our leaders over us. This is an intresting thought as we go into an election year. An election year where we will be looking at and choosing between two very flawed men. Yet in less then four months time, we will be calling Barack Obama or John McCain "Mr. President". And although we may not agree with them, or like them, or hate every decision they make, it is our God given duty to follow them.
Action Points
1. As Christians, let us stand out as men and women who honor are leaders. We have the legal rights to speak out if they do something we don’t like, but let’s be careful how we do even that. Let us not mock, slander or tear down those men and women whom God places in positions of honor.
2. Let's ask ourselves the question. Are we ready to stand for God’s law at all costs?
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