Mr. President
here is an interesting excerpt from my American Government curriculum. (Alpha Omega LIFEPACS, grade 12.)
Possibly one of the most powerful passages that teaches us about our attitude towards our president and the ruling authorities comes from Romans 13:1-7. In it Christians are instructed to submit to the authorities of their countries since, according to verse 1, God has established these authorities. Verse 2 says that rebelling against the government is rebelling against the authority that God has allowed. There are some Christians who feel that a non-Christian president in office will nullify the obligation for obedience, but Romans chapter 13 tells us that we should obey not only to avoid punishment, but also to have a good conscience before God. The Bible allows Christians to be involved in their country's government, including working to suppress legislation that defames God or contradicts the Bible. However, the Christian should be aware that submitting to authority, be it county judge or even a Presidential enactment, is a testimony to the Lord. Each Christian must be wise and use discernment in this area.
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. 3For 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 he will commend you. 4For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. 5Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. 6This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing. 7Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor. (Romans 13:1-7, NIV)
Possibly one of the most powerful passages that teaches us about our attitude towards our president and the ruling authorities comes from Romans 13:1-7. In it Christians are instructed to submit to the authorities of their countries since, according to verse 1, God has established these authorities. Verse 2 says that rebelling against the government is rebelling against the authority that God has allowed. There are some Christians who feel that a non-Christian president in office will nullify the obligation for obedience, but Romans chapter 13 tells us that we should obey not only to avoid punishment, but also to have a good conscience before God. The Bible allows Christians to be involved in their country's government, including working to suppress legislation that defames God or contradicts the Bible. However, the Christian should be aware that submitting to authority, be it county judge or even a Presidential enactment, is a testimony to the Lord. Each Christian must be wise and use discernment in this area.
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. 3For 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 he will commend you. 4For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. 5Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. 6This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing. 7Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor. (Romans 13:1-7, NIV)
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