Earlier this year I embarked on a project to do some journaling based on scripture. Starting with the book of Romans, the idea was to take scripture in smaller chunks, reflect on it, and record some thoughts (without referencing any footnotes or commentaries before doing so). As we all tend to do with many such projects, I started out pretty regular, then stumbled a bit, then just kind of neglected it altogether. Finally, this morning, I was moved to get back to it (discovering it had been almost exactly 2 months since my last journal entry).
The next chapter for me to read/journal was Romans 13. I’ve generally been splitting chapters up in order to keep the journal entries focused on around 20 verses or so, but Romans 13 only has 14 verses, so I did the whole chapter. I’ve also been keeping my entries to half a page in the journal, but this one seemed like it merited an entire page, especially with all the government involvement in the coronavirus-related policies of this year. As it’s been over a month since my last post here, I thought I’d type it up and post it.
5/24/20 – Romans 13
If God is sovereign, then the governing authorities that exist are due to His sovereign will. This does not mean that all those in power are necessarily obeying the commands of God or following His law. A dive into the Old Testament, and indeed all of history, will show plenty of evil and despotic rulers and regimes.
So what are believers in Jesus to do? Obviously, God, His commandments, and the teachings of Jesus are our highest authority, and we should always, ultimately, defer to them. But unless governing authorities or laws specifically violate those, we are to obey the governing authorities. That’s true even if I don’t like the laws, or if I feel they are unjust. I can register my displeasure at the voting booth, or in peaceful protest, but I am still called to obey the governing authorities.
God clearly uses ungodly governments and leaders to accomplish His ultimate will, even when it means His people suffer. In America especially, we tend to frame these issues in terms of “rights”. Our Constitution – the best imperfect document for governing fallen people – delineates a set of inalienable, God-given rights.
The main issue, I believe, is how to balance that construct with the teachings of Jesus – about dying to self, about laying down my rights. Of course, also in this mix is advocating for the rights of others.
This is clearly a complex issue. But perhaps a primary framing of “humble obedience to God”, rather than a primary framing of “rights”, is the best place to start.
My primary motivator in everything should be the act of loving my neighbor. That focus is the sum of God’s commandments about false testimony, adultery, covetousness, etc. as well as most of the teachings of Jesus.
Since Jesus’ return could happen at any moment, I should live as though it will. I so quickly forget this, making self-focused plans and living as though God’s kingdom is something separate, or off at some point in the future in a way that doesn’t require my immediate attention. God, help me to continually remember that Your kingdom is both present and imminent!