Romans 13:1

Romans 13:1 says, Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.  This verse and the next few have to do with how we as followers of Christ relate to those in power.  Here, Paul tells us that we are to be subjected to those that rule over us, because they only have the power that God allows them to have.  Theirs is an earthly power and God has the eternal power.  The early Christians were accused of attempting to overthrow the government and establish an earthly kingdom, and Paul I believe was reminding them and us that ours is not an earthly kingdom. The question becomes where do we draw the line at obeying the government?  If we are called on to do something that is clearly against God's law, then should follow the law of God.  I cannot imagine what it is like to be a follower of Christ in some parts of the world today, but wherever we are, we need to acknowledge that God is the One Who will be with us no matter what.  We must put our faith in Him and live up to our calling as Paul taught in the last chapter.  Many things are done today in the name of Christ that are just the opposite of what He teaches.  I wish I could say that I fully understand when we should not submit to the powers of the world, but can only conclude that if it has to do with earthly things, then we should, but if it has to do with violating the laws of God, then we should not.  Verse two adds, Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. This verse is for me especially hard to understand, but I believe has to be interpreted in the light of loving your enemies.  We must submit to the will of God as His followers, and in doing so acknowledge His sovereignty over all.  We are to live in a way that reflects honor on God.  Verse three continues, For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:  I believe Paul is saying that if we are obeying the law, we have nothing to fear from the law.  Once more, I believe we have to draw the line at any law that would cause us to do anything against the law of God, but even then we have to ask how do we go against that law.  I believe that whatever action we take has to be under the leadership of the Holy Spirit and must bring honor to God.  We also have to realize that there will be consequences when we disobey the law.  Verse four states, For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.  Paul lived in a time when Christians were being openly persecuted, but he said they were to still obey the rulers of the land, but under the leadership of the Holy Spirit.  When we do this, we do not have to fear those in power.  I do not believe that this means that there is never a time to stand in opposition to the rulers of whichever country we live in, but that when we do that we are sure that we are doing it to bring glory to God.  Verse five adds, Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.  I believe Paul is telling us that as followers of Christ we are to obey the laws of the government not just to avoid punishment, but also that we won't have a guilty conscience.  We cannot follow God and break the law without it bothering us.  We are to live to glorify God.  Again, I believe that if we must choose to obey the law of man unless it violates the law of God, then we must choose to obey the law of God, no matter what it costs.  I also believe the Holy Spirit will guide us in this decision, and it will always be one that will bring honor to God.