Pay Up

Many Americans go to the polls today.  As the numbers are tallied, results will be made known.  Joy awaits some poll-goers and frustration awaits others.  

On election days, the words of Paul to the Christians in Rome regarding the God-given authority of civic leaders enter my mind.  Questions abound when one reads Romans 13.  Especially Romans 13:5. 

Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.
Romans 13:5 (NIV)

Did Paul mean all authorities?
Should Christians disobey authorities?
When should Christians disobey authorities?
What about truly "evil" authorities?  (Hitler, Pol Pot, etc.)

I contemplate those questions.  I think I have some good answers - at least, partially.  I will, however, refrain from addressing those specifics today.  Rather, I will focus on some very straightforward instructions from Paul. 

6 This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. 7 Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.
Romans 13:6-7 (NIV)

In essence, Paul instructs believers to pay up.  As you review the "invoices" the apostle mentions, think about which of those you find most difficult to pay.  

• Do you struggle to pay respect?
• Do you fight the mandate to pay the IRS?
• Does honoring a certain authority in your life cause you heartburn?

Not many Bible passages get more Ordinary than Romans 13.  Recall the words from the previous chapter.

So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering.
Romans 12:1 (MSG)

Living the Ordinary Life certainly includes the loftier actions of life (worship, mission, serving your neighbor, and the like); however, those actions do not hold exclusive rights.  Living the Ordinary Life includes so much more.  Given the actions many people will take today, we do well to remember that living the Ordinary includes:

• praying for your authorities
• voting (if you choose to do so) in light of your Christian faith
• respecting your leaders
• paying your taxes

Give special attention to God's instructions as worded by Paul . . . "Give to everyone what you owe them."

#ordinarylives