Romans 13 - Respect Authority

“ 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.”

This is an excellent verse to remember in society today. There is much talk about leadership and “what is right”, about following one’s own agenda and rebelling against authority out of lack of respect for leaders. Parents often quote one of the Ten Commandments to children, “Honor thy father and mother”, but adults quickly forget we are also to honor our leaders and respect authority as well.

As it says in these verses, the governing authorities are there only because God has established them, therefore, we are to respect that authority. Whether it be church, local, state or federal authority, we are to follow the rules governing us, with respect for the authority and position, if not for the individual person. Therefore, regardless of your political outlook, disrespect for authority is disrespect to God, who established that authority. Not a popular message, but one we all need to hear and remember.