“Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor” (Romans 13:7).

Paul writes to the believers at Rome about their governmental leaders. Humanly speaking those believers in Rome had many reasons to hate and despise the wicked governmental leaders who were corrupt and hateful. The beloved Apostle Paul reminded these dear believers that their sovereign God allows no one governmental leader to be in office unless He permits it. While we must never disobey the Lord in blindly following the dictates of corrupt leaders, we must as much as possible obey them and respect the office. How Arthur hated to file his income taxes every year. In his filing cabinet his son David found this note from his dad who had gone home to be with the Lord. The note read, “You’ll find all my tax information under ‘G’ in my filing cabinet. G stands for grumbling because that’s what I want to do when I have to pay my taxes!” It was one of the few things that David laughed about during the days of his father’s home going. None of us enjoys paying taxes; however, as a believer we surely want to obey the teaching of Romans 13:1-14, don’t we?

For today: I want to joyfully obey the Lord. Sometimes it is not easy to do; however, it is always blessed to do!