First; let me start by saying I know this is my problem, not God's problem, not societies problem... but mine.
1Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3For 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 he will commend you. 4For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. 5Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. 6This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing. 7Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.
While at the same time I know that God is in complete control; do I not have the requirement to stand against evil? To stand against those who promote murder, slavery, etc?
This is what wrestles within me.
I know the Jews had to deal with this when captive in Egypt but even they rebelled and fled their slavery.
Is that the only real option to a Christian? Just leave the United States of America? But move to where? Is there any country not twisted by the perversions of man left?
This is just the first post on this subject. I think a great deal of thought and prayer will continue on it now.
1Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3For 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 he will commend you. 4For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. 5Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. 6This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing. 7Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.
While at the same time I know that God is in complete control; do I not have the requirement to stand against evil? To stand against those who promote murder, slavery, etc?
This is what wrestles within me.
I know the Jews had to deal with this when captive in Egypt but even they rebelled and fled their slavery.
Is that the only real option to a Christian? Just leave the United States of America? But move to where? Is there any country not twisted by the perversions of man left?
This is just the first post on this subject. I think a great deal of thought and prayer will continue on it now.
No comments:
Post a Comment