October 8, 2026
DO WHAT IS RIGHT
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
“Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished. For the authorities do not strike fear in people who are doing right, but in those who are doing wrong.
Would you like to live without fear of the authorities? Do what is right, and they will honor you. The authorities are God’s servants, sent for your good. But if you are doing wrong, of course you should be afraid, for they have the power to punish you. They are God’s servants, sent for the very purpose of punishing those who do what is wrong. So you must submit to them, not only to avoid punishment, but also to keep a clear conscience.
Pay your taxes, too, for these same reasons. For government workers need to be paid. They are serving God in what they do. Give to everyone what you owe them: Pay your taxes and government fees to those who collect them, and give respect and honor to those who are in authority.”
Romans 13:1–7 NLT
TODAY’S THOUGHT
As followers of Christ, what should our relationship be toward the earthly government under which we live? In Romans 13, Paul delivers the New Testament's most extensive teaching on civic responsibility, civic order, and human governance.
To appreciate the gravity of Paul's words, we must remember the historical backdrop: Paul was writing to Christians living in Rome, the heart of the Roman Empire, governed at the time by Emperor Nero—a corrupt, morally decadent, and increasingly tyrannical ruler. Yet Paul does not attach a qualification clause saying, "Submit only if the leaders are godly, moral believers who govern with flawless wisdom."
Instead, he establishes a foundational principle of order for the Christian life.
1. All Authority is Instituted by God
Human society requires structure to prevent chaos. Because of human nature, civil governance serves as a necessary restraint against lawlessness and anarchy.
Paul reminds us that God is the ultimate source of all earthly authority. He established the framework of human government to maintain peace, administer justice, and protect the innocent.
A Highway Analogy:
Paul notes that authorities do not strike fear in those who do what is right (v. 3).
When I am driving down the highway at the posted speed limit, seeing a police officer parked on the shoulder doesn't frighten me at all. But if I happen to be stretching the speed limit, seeing that cruiser instantly changes my perspective! Governance exists to restrain wrong behavior and reward good.
2. God Uses Authorities to Accomplish His Will
Paul uses striking language to describe government officials: he calls them "God's servants" (or ministers) sent for civic good and the restraint of evil.
Can God use imperfect—or even bad—leaders to bring about His divine purposes?
Scripture gives a clear "Yes!" Throughout the Old Testament, God repeatedly used pagan kings and foreign nations to bring discipline, repentance, and eventual restoration to Israel. We cannot truly claim to believe that God causes everything to work together for good (Romans 8:28) unless we also believe He is sovereign enough to work through flawed human leaders to fulfill His ultimate plans.
3. The Biblical Limits of Human Authority
It is vital to read Romans 13 alongside the full weight of Scripture. Paul was not speaking from a naive, uncritical perspective; he had experienced human government at its best (being protected by Roman law in Acts 16 and 22) and at its worst (being beaten and imprisoned unfairly in 2 Corinthians 11).
So, when does a believer's submission to civil authority end? When human authority commands what God explicitly forbids or forbids what God explicitly commands.
The Apostles in Acts (Acts 5:29): When the religious council ordered the apostles to stop preaching the Gospel, Peter and the apostles boldly answered, "We must obey God rather than any human authority."
Daniel and His Friends (Daniel 3 & 6): Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused the king's command to bow to an idol, and Daniel refused the decree forbidding prayer to the true God.
When earthly laws directly violate divine laws, believers are called to obey God first, standing for truth with courage, humility, and conviction, while accepting whatever civil consequences may follow.
Practical Application
Maintain a Respectful Posture: We can disagree with policy decisions or political philosophies without harboring a rebellious or disrespectful spirit toward the office of authority.
Fulfill Civil Duties: Paul explicitly instructs believers to pay taxes, honor civic laws, and show respect to those in leadership (v. 7).
Pray for Leaders: As Paul exhorted Timothy (1 Timothy 2:1–2), our first response to governing authorities should be intercession—praying for wisdom, justice, and peace in our land.
Reflection & Application
What is your posture toward civil authority? Do you approach leadership with a spirit of honor and prayer, or with cynicism and rebellion?
Do you trust God's sovereignty over history? Can you rest in the fact that God can use even imperfect leaders to fulfill His ultimate kingdom purposes?
Are you prepared to stand for truth with grace? If faced with a conflict between human demands and God's clear Word, do you have the courage to obey God while maintaining a humble, respectful heart?
TODAY’S PRAYER
Heavenly Father, I acknowledge that You are the King of kings and Lord of lords. You hold all nations, rulers, and human history securely in Your sovereign hands.
Grant me a humble, law-abiding, and submissive posture toward the governing authorities You have established. Help me to honor those in leadership, pray for their wisdom, and live as a peaceful, law-abiding citizen in my community.
Give me discernment to recognize when human authority strays from Your holy standards. Grant me the courage and grace to take a firm stand for Your truth whenever necessary, always speaking with respect, boldness, and love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
“Scroll down to share what you feel God is saying based on today’s reading.”
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