Following servant Jesus

Romans 13:1-7

¹ Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. ² So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished. ³ For the authorities do not strike fear in people who are doing right, but in those who are doing wrong. Would you like to live without fear of the authorities? Do what is right, and they will honor you. ⁴ The authorities are God’s servants, sent for your good. But if you are doing wrong, of course you should be afraid, for they have the power to punish you. They are God’s servants, sent for the very purpose of punishing those who do what is wrong. ⁵ So you must submit to them, not only to avoid punishment, but also to keep a clear conscience.

⁶ Pay your taxes, too, for these same reasons. For government workers need to be paid. They are serving God in what they do. ⁷ Give to everyone what you owe them: Pay your taxes and government fees to those who collect them, and give respect and honor to those who are in authority.

I think at times Australians struggle with authority.  Maybe foundations from the convict heritage makes us suspicious and questioning.  At times we find ourselves questioning authority or possibly rebelling against authority.  Even children, so quickly learn the word “NO”.  Why is this?

I believe that it is good to “test” things.  I believe that God wants us to ask for wisdom and insight into peoples’ motives and it is ok to question.  However, if those in authority are there caring and governing us with the right motives it is good for us to honour them.  God has designed people to lead and others to follow. 

God’s way is “servant leadership”.  Politicians are known as “public servants”.   They are there to serve the people.  Pastors and leaders are there also to serve the people.  We are all to be servants.  Ultimately, we will one day stand before Jesus and give an account of our lives and the motives behind what we have done.  Our model is Jesus.  He encourages us to obey, to do what is right and good leadership will honour us.  Jesus was the “servant King”.  He showed us what it was to be in leadership, and He modelled servanthood and sacrifice.  Do you want to be a leader?  It all begins with servanthood.  Doing what a leader asks you to (as per the Bible) with a cheerful heart.  Be sacrificial and honour will come.

Lord, help us to serve you with the right heart.  We want to be like you.  We thank you for modelling to us servanthood and sacrifice.  Help us to model that to others.  Amen

Written by Ps. Sue Botta