Titus 3:1-3
“Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone. At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another.”
Titus 3:1-3 NIV
As Bible-believing Christians, we all have a duty to be honourable citizens of our local communities, as well as our national governments. Indeed, as the Bible declares and as history records, even a bad government is better than no governmental control, which inevitably declines into lawlessness and anarchy.
A regime may be ungodly and it may be unchristian or anti-Christian, but the breakdown of government results in lawlessness and the absence of governmental control ends up in chaos and mayhem.
Scripture is very clear about line-management and authority, in both the Christian Church and in secular government and there is no question that as Christians, we are to abide by the laws and legislation of the land.
However, the Bible also makes it very plain that in certain circumstances where the law of the land violated the fundamental truth of God that we are to obey God, rather than men.
Let us take to heart what the Bible teaches about our rights and responsibilities in the world in which we live, and let us remember that although we are living in the world, and must abide by governmental rules, we are not of the world, and should be reflecting the character and behaviour of a child of God.
Paul hammers home the reason why we should act in a Christ-like manner in our everyday lives and perhaps the grounds that we least like to consider are stated in this very verse. It is a reminder of what we were before we were born of the Spirit for we too were once very foolish ourselves.
We too were disobedient, deceived and enslaved to the various lusts and pleasures that are common to all unregenerate man. We too were dead in our trespasses and sins, at enmity with God and without hope in the world.
But he also draws these uncomfortable comparisons so that we do not develop a scornful disrespect of others who are still dead in their sins but view them with Godly compassion and a desire that they too may come to know Christ as Savior.
It is only as we live as instructed by Paul in his many letters to the churches that we grow in grace and become more like Christ so that our lives may be a light to the lost so that men may see our good deeds and glorify our Father Who is in heaven!!!
Father thank You for this day and Your goodness and grace and the wonderful way that You have disclosed to us our roles and responsibilities not only in our Christian fellowships, but in the wider, secular world in which we live. Lord let Your abundant blessings fall upon my friend and family today. Lord may we live honorable lives which display a Godly integrity and Christian grace to all with whom we come in contact, and may we, from this day forward, live a life that honours Your Holy Name. Lord use my friend to be a blessing someone needs today. Be a blessing. Love ya
Father we love You amen.!
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