Monday, April 15, 2019

Submitting to authority


Tax Day! 

Today is a busy day for a lot of people in our industry.  As individuals within the United States, today means something to all of us that must file taxes.  While everyone has an opinion on taxes, the reality of it is that this is something from as far back as the Bible.

Romans 13:1-7

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.  Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.  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.  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.  Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.
This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing.  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.

While we have authorities that we must answer to here on earth, ultimately our authority is God.  Just as we have laws that we must follow in our lives, so is true about our spiritual lives.  Have you submitted yourself to the authority of God today? 

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