Determined To Govern, But Not To Be Governed

 Meditations on Romans

Note: This morning, Cheryl and I are beginning our vacation. I have worked ahead on these mediations, and they are scheduled to be released each day for the next two weeks. However, I will not be able to respond to any emails until after we return home on October 1.

September 20, 2021

Determined To Govern, But Not To Be Governed

Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God.

Romans 13:1

Read Romans 13:1-7

On a visit to the Museum of Westward Expansion, Gateway Arch, St. Louis, there is a plaque with a quote from the journal of Lansford W. Hastings, an Overlander who was venturing west from St. Louis.

“We had proceeded only a few days travel,

when the American character was fully exhibited.

All appeared to be determined to govern,

but not to be governed.”

The Apostle Paul would add a hardy “Yes and Amen” to Brother Hastings. A rebellious spirit is within the DNA of all humankind. We all have a suspicious nature for those in authority, and we are much more comfortable being in control than having others assert authority over us. Paul’s teaching for the church in Rome addressed both their human nature and served as practical advice for their current condition. For the most part, the church in Rome came from those on the lowest rungs of society. They were not well thought of by the mainstream of society, and Paul was urging them to be good citizens and stay under the radar so that they could freely go about their mission of making disciples for Christ.

My Takeaway: As I read today’s passage, I am thinking of the Taliban’s take-over of Afghanistan and the persecution of the Christians that will follow. I cannot comprehend what it would be like to gather in a house church and have the leader read this passage. Even in the US, we are living in an age when almost total respect has been lost for government institutions as well as those who serve in government positions. Perhaps our prayer today is to embrace the words of the blind beggar in Luke 18, “Lord,” he said, “I want to see!” Lord, gives us wisdom and your perspective in these difficult times.

Sē’lah

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(Selah is a word that appears in the Book of Psalms that I often use as the Complimentary Closing in my correspondence. Its meaning, as I use the word, is to pause and think about these things.)

 

These meditations are written by Alex M. Knight as he seeks the life in Christ as his way of life.  The meditations are published on the BLOG, http://seekingthelifeinchrist.blogspot.com/ and they are also distributed on the Constant Contact email server. You may subscribe to this email service by sending an email to: amkrom812@gmail.com.

 

Copyright © 2021 by Alex M. Knight

 

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.