A Nugget from New Life Network
Scripture for the Day (November 13, 2017)
For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. (Isaiah 55:8)
The Bible is basically a Christian’s job description. It tells us what we should be doing and also shows us the fences that we should stay within to protect ourselves. All too often what we witness in the Church is not any different than what we see in the world. That should not be! We don’t get to pick and choose the parts of the Bible that we want to obey and the parts that we don’t. This is not a multiple choice situation.
In recent years we have seen more and more hostile and derogatory talk and actions from Christians toward authority figures. Maybe we have forgotten what the Bible says about this. The following are just a few of the scriptures on this very subject. Sometimes we just need to be reminded of our job description.
I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. (1 Timothy 2:1-2)
Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you. (Hebrews 13:17)
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. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. 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: 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. Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour. (Romans 13:1-7)
Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work, To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men. (Titus 3:1-2)
Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God. Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king. Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward. (1 Peter 2:13-18)
We encourage all our readers to pray for all of our men and women in authority whether that be in local, state, or federal government. We especially need to pray for all our law enforcement and military personnel for they are the ones that are putting their lives at risk each day for all of us.
