Romans 13:1 (NLT)

Respect for Authority

13 Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God.

This text is especially applicable in our culture today. One thing it seems we can count on is that when someone says “ The election will settle this and we can move on “ they only mean that if they win. Today’s  – win at any cost to have power, has taken all logic and respect off the table. Also, it leaves no room for God or his Will in our lives so that we can reflect His values  in the voting booth. Since politics and morality are unfortunately two different things this text is applicable for both believer and non-believer alike in how we respond to election results. Whatever our belief God does not stop being God after an election and he does not expect us to be different either. We don’t just go along with political party directions if they are contrary to our God called purpose but we must respect those elected to office because Paul says here that those placed in positions of authority have been put there in alignment with God’s plan. Faith tells us that our calling and purpose in God’s plan will allow us to be in some circumstances in our lives where we respect and pray for authority we may not agree with spiritually. That Faith will allow us to be a productive witness for God every day regardless of an election outcome.