I am glad to be with You this morning, Father. I know You love me beyond what I could ever comprehend. Enable me to hear Your words to me this day.
Titus 3:1-2 (<<click here)
Lord, the directives in this passage are surely an ongoing struggle to fulfill the words “believers…submit to the government. They should be obedient… no slander anyone… avoid quarreling… be gentle… show true humility” just don’t seem to jell. But Paul is saying what he is saying. He says it elsewhere in Romans 13:1-7. We are very clearly called to submit to and obey the government…and respect them to boot!
But we exclaim, “What? There is so much corruption! On so many fronts they oppose the things of God!” Romans 13:1 states, “Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God.”
For clarity it helps to remember who was in charge when Paul wrote these letters – Rome! A government not exactly known for their Christ-like mindsets. And Paul wasn’t alone in his beliefs; Peter spouted the same thing in 1 Peter 2:12-17.
So where does that leave us – those who strive to follow You, Lord, by loving You with all of our “heart…soul…strength and…mind,” and our “neighbor as ourselves”? Luke 10:27 Well… I guess I need to back up and adjust how I think about such things. I can’t just ignore this part of what Paul and Peter have to say because I don’t like it. Your Word, the Bible, is truth and it must be obeyed.
Jesus…forgive me. I have not been obedient. I have lived with a self-righteous mentality. I give it over to You. Enable me to live and think as You would have me to. Amen… so be it.
Jan 31st, Sun, 6:34 am
