I am torn, only God knows a person’s heart.
I was challenged this week by a good friend on the Kentucky’s County Clerk ‘s stand, and if she was biblically right in her actions.
The scripture in Romans 13 1-7 was referenced.
“Everyone must submit to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except from God, and those that exist are instituted by God. 2 So then, the one who resists the authority is opposing God’s command, and those who oppose it will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have its approval. 4 For government is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, because it does not carry the sword for no reason. For government is God’s servant, an avenger that brings wrath on the one who does wrong. 5 Therefore, you must submit, not only because of wrath, but also because of your conscience. 6 And for this reason you pay taxes, since the authorities are God’s public servants, continually attending to these tasks.7 Pay your obligations to everyone: taxes to those you owe taxes, tolls to those you owe tolls, respect to those you owe respect, and honor to those you owe honor.”
I believe Paul was talking about taxes but it can be interpreted to submitting to the state.
I know Daniel didn’t submit and was a conqueror in the Lion’s den. Jesus overturned tables in the tabernacle.
Being a Christian is tough. God never said it would be easy. He did promise never to leave us.
Only God knows the heart. I don’t.
I may not agree with my fellow Christians and my fellow Christians may not always agree with me.
I want to follow Jesus and his love.
Romans 12: 9- 21
“9 Love must be without hypocrisy. Detest evil; cling to what is good. 10 Show family affection to one another with brotherly love. Outdo one another in showing honor. 11 Do not lack diligence; be fervent in spirit; serve the Lord. 12 Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; be persistent in prayer. 13 Share with the saints in their needs; pursue hospitality. 14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep. 16 Be in agreement with one another. Do not be proud; instead, associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own estimation. 17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Try to do what is honorable in everyone’s eyes. 18 If possible, on your part, live at peace with everyone. 19 Friends, do not avenge yourselves; instead, leave room for His wrath. For it is written: Vengeance belongs to Me; I will repay says the Lord. 20 But If your enemy is hungry, feed him.
If he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
For in so doing
you will be heaping fiery coals on his head. 21 Do not be conquered by evil, but conquer evil with good.”
Through out the bible we are called to love. Loving when you feel like screaming is tough. Loving and praying for an enemy even harder. God loved us enough to send his son to die for us. He loves the unlovable, he pursues the unsaved, and he is saddened when someone enters hell.
I don’t know the heart behind someone’s actions. God does. I hope it is done in love and not judgment.
I choose love and I fall short most days. So I am torn between all the debates and conflict. I am sad that my actions included, come so far short of showing God’s amazing love. I want to have actions that speak of love and respect. I want to be a light. I believe we need to love others and pray for our leaders.
1 Timothy 2 1-6
“First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, 2 for kings and all those who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. 3 This is good, and it pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.5 For there is one God and one mediator between God and humanity,
Christ Jesus, Himself human, 6 who gave Himself—a ransom for all,
a testimony at the proper time.”
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