Romans 13

“Let every person be subject to the governing authorities … Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed” (v1-2). Paul’s words are remarkable, considering the leadership of the Roman Empire.  The book of Acts shows that the disciples were willing to defy the authorities to serve Jesus, but in all other ways, including paying taxes (v6), they were law-abiding.  Rather than avoiding their obligations as citizens, Paul urged them to generously “love one another” (v8-10), going beyond the law.

“Let us walk properly as in the daytime” (v13). Governments come and go, but our own daily work remains the same: living according to the way of Jesus and sharing His love with others.