by Pastor Rich Carlson

I wrestled long with this chapter. And although I still don’t have all my questions answered satisfactorily, and I still don’t feel comfortable with some of the concepts, life will go on. Here are some of my thoughts about Romans 13.

"Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established" (Romans 13:1). I can readily agree with this direction in my country. Whether or not I like the president’s leadership, I think the basic goals of my country are still for the good of its citizens. I agree with Paul’s argument that if I behave myself then I don’t have to worry about the government hurting me. It is there to preserve the rule of law, protect citizens, and make my life safer and better—generally speaking, anyway.

But how do I preach this message in countries that are suffering because their governments are suppressing God-given freedoms and are violating human rights? What about governments that commit genocide against their citizens? Does God set up abusive, oppressive leaders as surely as he sets up "nice" guys? I don’t have the answers, but then Paul spoke this message to people under Roman rule.  For some, Rome’s rule was a good thing. For Jews and Christians it certainly wasn’t always. Paul goes on to say, "Pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants," and give not only taxes and revenue, but respect and honor the authorities as well (13:6, 7).

It’s almost like Paul is saying to me, Don’t worry about the government, "give to Caesar what is Caesar’s," so you don’t get distracted from giving "to God what is God’s." Governments come and governments fall, but God’s focus for us is not governments on this earth, but salvation and Jesus’ coming to take us home. Jesus’ return is "nearer now than when we first believed" (13:11).

Here are some other directions Paul gives in Romans 13:

• Don’t owe anyone anything except the continued debt of loving one another (13:8).
• "Love your neighbor as you love yourself" (13:9).
• Love fulfills the law (13:10).
• Put aside deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light (13:12).
• "Behave decently" (which Paul defines as not being involved in orgies, drunkenness, sexual immorality, debauchery, dissension or jealousy, or seeking in any other way to gratify the desires of the sinful nature) (13:13).
• "Clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ" (13:14).

We are called to relieve suffering, but we are also called to an even higher mission of presenting salvation and a permanent solution to suffering. I can rise above the politics of this world and present a better solution to problems than toppling governments. I can offer and demonstrate a higher calling. I can have a peace that passes all understanding, rooted and grounded in fulfilling God’s law of love.

Rich Carlson is campus chaplain at Union College in Lincoln, Nebraska. “God Is Faithful” is adapted from the email devotionals he writes regularly for the Union College family. Rich enjoys filling his life with God, his family, and especially his five grandchildren.