These verses are pretty straightforward. We should obey the governing authorities because God has put these authorities in place over us. When we oppose authority, we oppose and sin against God. If we do good, we have no reason to fear authority. If we do evil, those authorities are in place to avenge us.
Peter wrote about honoring the king who had scattered the Christians throughout the Mediterranean (1 Pet. 2.17). Because of our spiritual freedom, we are not to be rebellious toward the government. We should be law-abiding citizens, so we can claim the protection of the government if charges come against us. In Timothy 2.1-2, Paul charges us to pray for our “kings.” We don’t have to agree with them politically, but we are to pray for them. (See also Titus 3.1)
Your post is a great reminder, that no matter who is in office, we should be praying for them. And for that matter, whoever is running for office. We should be praying for them now..so much for the media tirades getting us off-center. My walking/jogging partner and I pray together on the last half of our workout, and she and I recently started praying for the candidates. Hopefully, more are out there doing the same!
Love your website! Fun and motivating!! Mine’s new and more low-key, but please feel free to visit and comment!
Linda Owen, http://absolutegrace.wordpress.com