“Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.”
Rom 13:1
Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval for he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer. Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God’s wrath but also for the sake of conscience.
Titus 3:1
Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work,
1 Peter 2:13-17
Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.
Proverbs 24:21
My son, fear the LORD and the king, and do not join with those who do otherwise,
2 Chronicles 7:14
If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
In light of the election I deviate today from Joel. I see a great country divided on so many issues. There are people in public view, from opposing sides, unable to respectfully communicate to the issues. This does not mean the masses have to participate or mimic this behavior in their lives or how they talk. I know it is easy to come back with words aimed to hurt but we are called to be different, to act in such a way that our God is honored and glorified. We are to be set apart and reflect His light in the darkness. I read this comment recently “So far as our life in a community goes, there must be some form of government, which may be modeled according to the varying opinions of men, whether monarchical or republican, autocratic or socialistic; but when once it has been agreed upon, it must be obeyed”. This form of government has spoken and we are called to be humble servants of God, respecting the position and the person in it. Let your confidence be in God and His purpose and plan. Let God’s word direct your heart, mind, and soul. There is a verse in a hymn I quote often “Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full into His wonderful face, and the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.”