"Remind them to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good deed, to malign no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing every consideration for all men." Titus 3:1-2
I once said in a sermon (with tongue firmly planted in cheek), "Christians do not need radar detectors." The statment was designed to use humor to make the serious point that we of all people should obey the law. The Lord is quite specific in His commands about this issue. The Holy Spirit inspired Peter to provide the "what" and the "why" by writing, "Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to a king as the one in authority, or to governors as sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and the praise of those who do right. For such is the will of God that by doing right you may silence the ignorance of foolish men," 1 Peter 2:13-15. Believe it or not, this sentiment even includes obeying the speed limit.
Beloved, many of us focus on what we consider spiritual laws, commands and ordinances but do not link them to the human law. I submit to you that they are an extension of His requirements of us. Romans 13 tells us that our civic and political leaders are ordained by Him (no matter whether we agree with a particular person's politics or not) and referred to as His ministers. As unpopular as it may be, it even says that we should pay our taxes (vs. 6-7). By this, God is telling us to be good citizens of the earth. As U.S. ambassadors are expected to observe the laws of the countries in which they represent us, we as ambassadors of heaven are expected to observe the laws of the land. Ultimately, God is Lord of all and we, His childre, should be the first to obey.
Rejoicing in the Lord,
Lee
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