So, someone recently approached me about a tricky section of the Bible and wanted to know my thoughts. It took me quite a while to dig in and listen to the Spirit before I could respond, and in that listening, I also learned things along the way. So I thought I would share them here! The section is Romans 13:1-7 … a very, very touchy subject in today’s world of politics and poltergeists.
Ultimate conclusion: It’s complicated.
I will share my thoughts on this, but I strongly encourage you to do your own research and talk to God about it. He often uses the same scriptures to speak to different people in different ways – so while this may be a new perspective for you, God may be trying to tell you something else as well. So don’t just listen to me, do your own digging!! It’s worth it.
Here we go!
God can and will use anyone he wants to accomplish his purposes, and he always has good in mind (Jeremiah 29:11-12). However, it does not always look how we think it should. Good vs evil is not always a clear distinction for us because we cannot see every little piece of the puzzle like God can. That is why sometimes God allows corrupt people to be in power – to challenge our faith and trust in his sovereignty. This is seen time and time again throughout the Bible. And keep in mind, Paul wrote this passage while under the rule of Nero, who some (myself included) consider to be a mirror of the true anti-Christ to come. Nero was the worst of the worst tyrants, yet Paul still told the Christians in Rome to acknowledge his authority.
When the rules do not go against God, it doesn’t matter who is in power. A corrupt leader can still institute good rules that honor God, even if it isn’t their direct intent. Does that mean we should be ignorant and not consider the details? ABSOLUTELY NOT. Does that mean we should be silent and passive towards evil being done? ABSOLUTELY NOT. It is our job to speak up and advocate for the truth, but not in a way that promotes discord and violence. Blessed are the peacemakers – those who stand up for what’s right in a loving and respectful way (Matthew 5:9, Romans 12:18, Hebrews 12:14, etc). When we submit to our leaders, we are really submitting to our God who stationed them there. When the passage speaks to “good conduct” vs “acting wrongfully,” this is a legal assertion. Keeping vs breaking the law and following the rules in a general sense. This is big-picture problem focused, not a statement instructing us to follow every rule no matter what. For example: texting and driving is illegal, so we should not do it. But if someone in power ordered us to do something morally wrong, like reject the name of Jesus, their authority in that matter is forfeit. They are subject to God’s sovereignty just like we are. We follow their rules UNLESS they contradict God’s. They answer to God just like we do – and on a much more serious level. Those in government and leadership positions will be held accountable to a higher standard because they are responsible for the way they treat those below them (concept found in James 3:1). Those who misuse the sword will also die by it (Matthew 26:52). To put it simply, ✨with great power comes great responsibility✨. God picks who comes into authority for different reasons – none of which are our decision. We are extremely blessed in the United States to have a vote for our leaders and lawmakers, but nothing can sway God’s purposes. His Will will be done, one way or another. It would be very arrogant to assume that our ability to choose our president affects God’s ability to use one or the other. He may use them in different ways, but there’s no escaping his ultimate plan. Whoever ends up in power still answers to God, whether the want to or not.
But PERSONALLY I think this passage is a bit deeper than just politics. We too often forget that we have control over who we support outside of the governing authorities as well. Example: Last time I checked, Starbucks is upfront in their “healthcare policy” that they financially support their employees in getting abortions and gender “affirming” surgeries. I have the power to refuse to support them, so I do. If me buying a coffee helps pay for someone to murder their child or mutilate their body, I would genuinely rather eat rocks.
The decisions we make on a daily basis are very important and often carry a lot more weight than we realize. Big picture thinking centered on stuff like taxes, traffic laws, political disagreements… it actually sometimes doesn’t matter as much as the little things do. Obviously we have the responsibility to vote wisely and pray for our leaders. But honestly, I think this section is trying to tell us to stop worrying about the big things and just focus on trusting God to know what he’s doing. The more we fight about taxes and government, the more we lose focus of what we DO have the power to change on a daily basis. We can stand up against evil by refusing to buy a coffee – we don’t have to storm the capital. So personally, I think this is in large part a focus check. Going into the world, making disciples, baptizing them into the family, and teaching them how to walk with God – that is our great commission as believers (Matthew 28:18-20). And none of that has anything to do with money or politics. We submit to God first and then the leaders he chooses so that he can work in the big things without us getting in the way. We have our own mission to focus on. And it’s bigger than the “big things.”
So those are my thoughts – but again, this is JUST what I have come to understand and believe about it. 🙂 I hope you all are having a blessed day and staying safe out there!
♡~ Skippy
