User blog:Christian Sirolli/Respecting Our Authorities

Yesterday, Donald J. Trump was inaugurated as the President of the United States, yet numerous do not like the fact. Christians are called to be different from the world. Even if we don’t like Donald Trump, we need to respect and honor him. God put him and everyone else who is in authority in a place of authority; so “whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.” (Romans 13:2)

It is important that we, as Christians, respect the authorities. This includes Law Enforcement. God placed even the Law Enforcement Officers in the place they are at to keep peace in the land. Read what Paul has to say on this matter:

"“ 1 Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2 Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. 4 For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. 5 Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.

6 This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. 7 Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor. ” (Romans 13:1-7 NIV)"

We must understand what this is talking about. And more than just understand it. We need to apply this to our lives. God placed people like Donald Trump in authority. Therefore, we need to submit ourselves to them and obey them. We owe them respect and honor, so we need to pay them respect and honor. Since God placed them there, we need to treat them as God’s representatives. Yes, they aren’t the best representatives, but we still need to respect them. Posting insulting post about them definitely isn’t respecting them. Talking badly about them surely isn’t isn’t showing them honor. If you claim to be a Christian, then be a Christian and respect those in authority.

Peter also has instruction on this matter:

"“ 13 Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, 14 or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. 15 For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people. 16 Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves.17 Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor. ” (1 Peter 2:13-17 NIV)"

Peter tells us we need to submit ourselves to every human authority, not for our sake but the Lord’s. It doesn’t matter what their role is, if they are in authority over you, submit to them.

This is not just a New Testament concept, look at what we are instructed in Proverbs:

"21 Fear the Lord and the king, my son,

and do not join with rebellious officials,

22 for those two will send sudden destruction on them,

and who knows what calamities they can bring?

Proverbs 24:21-22 (NIV)"

Fear in this sense is to respect them with the understanding of their power. It is to revere them.

Paul told Titus to remind the believers he was working with to “be subject to rulers and authorities” (Titus 3:1 NIV). We should also remind other believers the same thing, as I am doing with you now.

So we are to respect and submit to our authorities, no matter who they are. For God placed them in that position, and rebellion against them is rebellion against God. Refrain from talking/posting negatively about them, but defend them when they are being talked/posted about negatively. Remind other believers to do the same.