HOW TO HANDLE GOVERNING AUTHORITIES (III)
“For 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 you will be commended. For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.” Romans 13:3-4 NIV
Generally, a person walking in righteousness has no need to live in fear. Even under unjust systems, integrity quiets the conscience and entrusts vindication to the Lord. Whether the one in authority is upright or corrupt, the call remains the same: you honor God by doing what is right and leaving the outcomes to Him.
If a ruler is just, God may use their leadership to bless, protect, and elevate you. And if that ruler misuses their power, the same God who appoints authority is also the one who judges it. “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still” (Exodus 14:14).
So, beloved, don’t meddle in matters that are beyond your assignment. Remain in your lane and serve faithfully. As we saw in the first devotion of this series, every leader is accountable to God for how they steward what was entrusted to them. Be careful that pride doesn’t push you to rebel against someone through whom God may yet choose to help you.
Even when the structure seems flawed, trust in the sovereignty of the One who rules over all. In humility and wisdom, walk uprightly, and let God deal with kings.
Prayer: My Father, I thank you for this truth. Help me to honor authority as unto You, not out of fear of man, but out of reverence for Your order. Keep my heart from rebellion and my hands from meddling. Where injustice reigns, give me patience and trust that You will repay. And where favor is found, let it point me back to You, the true source of all good. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
CI.
RELATED RESOURCES
• Titus 3:1
• Daniel 2:21
• Romans 12:19
