Scripture reference: Romans 13:1-7, sermon emphasis on verses 6 & 7 (KJV)
1Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. 2Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. 3For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: 4For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. 5Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. 6For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. 7Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.
Obey civil law
“We, the people” founded our country on the Word of God. All people are equal in His eyes. The country’s founding fathers gave the citizens the authority to choose our own leaders. Those leaders in turn pass civil laws they expect us to follow. Some laws are made to keep us safe, like speed limits, seat belts, and traffic lights. Some laws our leaders make are good, while others are not, like allowing parents to decide a child’s gender instead of relying on the child’s biology. We are commanded to respect our leaders and follow civil laws if they do not contradict God’s law (also see 1 Peter 2:13-17, Titus 3:1-2, 1 Timothy 2:1-3, Matthew 22:15-22).
God’s first law, found in Exodus 20:3 and restated in Deuteronomy 5:7 states, “Thou shalt have no other gods before me.” We, the people, have violated this fundamental law by following false religions. We have no one to blame but ourselves for the mess our nation is in today. We are electing leaders because of their money and influence instead of letting God guide our decision making.
Bad choices lead to bad circumstances. Look at King Saul, for example. God wanted to be Israel’s king, but the people begged for an earthly king like the other nations had. God allowed Saul to be crowned Israel’s first human king, and Saul started out as a good one with Israel prospering under his leadership. But Saul got caught up in the world and started doing things his way instead of God’s way, so God’s Spirit left him.
Before we choose leaders, we need to take a long, hard look at them. Are they Christians? Are they living righteously? Will they pass laws that violate or contradict God’s law? What we do now affects generations to come. If we pray and ask God’s guidance, He will show us who to choose to lead us.