Every person is to be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God.
Scripture gives so much guidance and wisdom on how to live like Jesus. From our marriages to parenting to serving others, we trust God’s Word in even hard seasons when it may feel difficult. We trust that God has equipped us and goes before us in everything He calls us to do. He is trustworthy and sovereign over everything, and this is true even in politics.
Paul gave the church this exhortation to listen to governing leadership even as the political leadership was unfavorable toward Christians. He did not add qualifications because he wasn’t just addressing the issues within the government; he was addressing the struggle we each have in our hearts. We all struggle with submitting to authority because we struggle to trust God. We see big things happen in our country and in our world and might base our sense of God’s control on what is happening at any given moment. But God is greater than any current event. He is orchestrating this grand narrative of redemption—including everything from the past, our present, and the future—and only He knows how He is directing the story.
We can live subject to the governing authorities because we trust our God as the ultimate authority. Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight.” Our call as followers of Christ is to trust in God in all things. Even as we submit to governing authorities, we can acknowledge Him and trust Him to equip us to be good stewards of His Kingdom and citizens of this country.
- What are some current events that have shaken your trust in God?
- What does it look like to submit to governing authorities? Is it easier for you to submit to governing authorities when you like them or when things seem to be going well? Why or why not?
- Pray and ask God to help you completely trust Him as you submit to governing authorities.
