One Nation, Under God

Romans 13:1-7

1 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.

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

3 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.

4 For he is God’s minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil.

5 Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience’ sake.

6 For because of this you also pay taxes, for they are God’s ministers attending continually to this very thing.

7 Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor.

A nation without laws, or that does not enforce the law, is chaotic and dangerous.

As Christians, we should remember that God supports law and order.

He gives authority for governments, because society needs structure.

We should respect this authority and work within the law to make changes as needed.

Our government, our laws, and the order they bring to our lives are a benefit to us.

We should be supporting our law enforcement agencies, not vilifying them or calling to defund them.

They are the people who keep us safe in our everyday life.

People find themselves at odds with the law and the justice system because they do not heed the words of God here in Romans.

It is not cruel, or heartless, to enforce our laws.

It is actually loving and caring to do so.

Do you not give your children a bedtime?

Do you not have some structure in their lives to keep them safe?

Or do you let them run wildly into the street, unaware of the danger?

Our laws are based on these same principles.

They are Godly principles to keep us safe.

To protect the weak and vulnerable in our society.