Mindful of  the Laws

So the person who resists such authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will incur judgment. – Romans 13:2, NET

Being tax season I was reminded of how we are to submit to the authorities of our country. Paying taxes has been around for years. It was even mentioned in the Bible more than once. The difference is that we pay money and in Biblical times, they could pay with livestock, grain, or money. Jesus had a disciple that was a tax collector. So that lets me know that even though it is tedious, paying taxes is something that I should not avoid. 

Just as it says in the verse, if I resist the authority of our country then I am resisting the instructions of God. That is a sin. There is no way around it. When I disobey what God has instructed, then it’s sin. The last thing I want to do is fail and be found in sin. 

There have been civil laws to follow since Biblical times. Romans chapter 7 tells us how we should follow the direction of God’s word in relation to civil laws.

“If you love me,
you will obey my commandments.”
John 14:15, NET

It’s pretty simple. If I love my Father, then I will automatically obey His commandments. When I strive to walk in the precepts of God’s Word, then that means that I am willing to listen and follow Him in all areas of life. This includes following the laws of our country. 

Sometimes the best example we can be is one that is willing to be mindful of the laws that we live under in this world.