October 23, 2023 Monday Message:
Romans 13:3 NLT: “For the (governing) 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.”
We never really get to own anything. We’re here for such a short time! Even our most prized possessions will belong to someone else in less than 100 years. I thought my house was paid off, but unless I pay taxes and other fees, it will soon belong to the authorities. Our incomes are taxed, and unless we pay, the government will soon own our bank account!
Paul is telling the Christians in Rome to get along with the authorities. When we decided to live in our city of choice, we expected certain benefits. We need roads so we can get from one place to another. We expect the snow to be plowed in the winter. Police and fire protection are essential nowadays. We get to enjoy nonessential things like city parks and ballfields for the kids. If there’s a civic center or theater, that’s a bonus. Providing these services requires dollars, and by living in our city, we have implicitly agreed to split the cost with our neighbors.
As Christians we should do what is right and serve as a good example. Even Jesus told Peter to take a coin from the mouth of a fish and use it to pay their taxes. Jesus explained, “We don't want to cause trouble.” None of us should want to cause trouble either.
When in doubt, we should follow Jesus’ example!
Pastor Norton Lawellin
Jesus in the City Fellowship
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