May 28, 2025

Obeying Civil Authority

In Romans 13:1–3, the apostle Paul gives us some clear instruction on how we are to relate to our civil authorities,

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. Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves. 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.

I remember the days before I was saved. If I saw a police car when looking in my rearview mirror, I was struck with instant paranoia. There was a good reason for my fear.

At that time in my life, I would have gotten in a lot of trouble if I had been pulled over. I was constantly high on drugs and alcohol, and there were rarely times I was completely sober.

Thank God I have been saved! Today if I look in my rearview mirror and I see a police car, I may slow down a little bit; but I am not gripped with this feeling of paranoia because I live within the parameters of the laws of the land. And if I do break a law, it is going to be out of ignorance and not out of willful rebellion.

If you live your life in fear of civil authority, it is time to check out why. If you search your heart and find that you are not subject to the laws of the land as you should be, I encourage you to make that change today.

You will be able to live your life without fear, and honor God in the process.

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