Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale Daily DevotionalSample

26-Who's in Charge Here?Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Romans 13:1 (NKJV)

We've been looking at our call to live sacrificially within the Body of Christ. But the call to live sacrificially isn't limited to the way we relate to other believers. It's a way of life that should also define our interaction outside Christian circles.

But how can we live sacrificially towards the non-believing world? Paul hits on that topic as we move into Romans 13. He tells us that everybody is to obey the governing authorities that have been placed over them, because they've been placed there by God. By obeying the laws of the land, we're living sacrificially in societal sense, because in many cases we're setting aside our own desires and agendas for the sake of obeying the law.

Think about it, what would our world be like if everyone just obeyed the laws on the books? What if everyone paid their taxes, stayed in their lane, went the speed limit, etc. Wouldn't the world be a much more peaceful place? Of course it would. And although we know it will never be that way this side of Christ's return, we can do our part by being obedient to our civil authorities.

Remember, however, that our obedience to the laws of the land ultimately go back to our obedience to the Lord. Paul is very careful to connect this command with the awareness that our civil authorities are divinely appointed. He's the One who's really in charge, and that's reason enough for us to obey them, because in doing so we're obeying the Lord.

What are we to do? Live sacrificially towards society by being obedient to its laws. Why are we to do it? Because ultimately it's an expression of obedience to God. We're to be law-abiding citizens, and how well we do in this area shows how well we understand Who's in charge.

We've been looking at our call to live sacrificially within the Body of Christ.What are we to do? Live sacrificially towards society by being obedient to its laws. Why are we to do it? Because ultimately it's an expression of obedience to God. We're to be law-abiding citizens, and how well we do in this area shows how well we understand Who's in charge.