Speeding or Stopping

Rom. 13

Submission to the authorities is a hard concept to grasp. Somehow we think that we know better on many issues, especially on speed limits and stop signs in neighborhoods. We often think why stop here when no one is around, or why drive so slowly when the road is deserted, and we are late or in a hurry. But Rom. 13 gives some black and white answers. It says be subject to the governing authorities for there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. If we resist, we are resisting what God has put in place. But why has he put them in this position to make these laws? Romans says that these authorities are God's servants for our good, and if we disobey they are there as an instrument of God's wrath. So we obey knowing it is for our good, to avoid God's wrath, and for the sake of our conscience. The same goes for taxes. We pay taxes to whom they are owed and show respect to whom deserves it. 

I read an article by Piper on this very issue where he equated obeying the speed limit with worshiping God. If we obey because God desires it, then the time we spend driving more slowly or stopping at stop signs, is a time of worship. It gives us time to reflect on Him because we are slowing down our pace of life. We are making time for Him and for obedience to His word. In many areas we need to look behind the circumstances and see the One who ordained them all, the One who put our entire life in its realm even down to the smallest detail, and the One who gives grace and strength to obey Him and endure life as it comes our way. He is the author of our lives. He know what is our good. And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose. 

Father,

I see so clearly how you have structured my life to revolve around You and to obey You in all that I do. Give me Your grace and strength to be steadfast, unwavering even when circumstances seem to be going against me. I love You and thank You for all that You have put in my life.

In Jesus name,

Amen