Our God Reigns预览

As citizens, we are also stewards. We pay taxes, we obey the laws, and we are expected to live at peace with one another. We are all aware that people differ in their views on policies or laws that create the most pleasant environment for living our everyday lives. Jesus instructs us to obey the laws and pay our taxes (Romans 13:1-2; Matthew 22:17-21). He was much less concerned with whatever earthly kingdom was in power and much more focused on His eternal kingdom (Romans 14:17). 

Jesus was God on earth, knowing all of history before Him and all of what would come after Him. God is in full control at all times. We never need to be concerned or anxious. Jesus calls us to be good stewards of our country by obeying the governing authorities. More important than our stewardship as citizens is our stewardship of the call of God on our own lives (2 Timothy 1:9). 

God has charged us all with making disciples of every nation. That starts with our families, co-workers, and friends. By stewarding the gifts we have been given, we are serving our Most High Ruler. The laws and rules we must follow here on earth become less of a hindrance and more joy. God’s commands have always and will forever supersede the laws of mankind. 

Occasionally the law of man and the law of God will be at odds, so how can we know when to obey God and when to obey man? The simple answer is that we, as Christians, are to obey government law except where that human law violates God's Law. Our highest duty is to obey God. Since God tells us to also obey the human government we should. But when human laws and God’s laws come into conflict we are to "obey God rather than men" (Acts 5:29). When we steward what God has blessed us with here on earth by obeying Him first and then the government, we are giving Him the glory. We are loving God (John 14:21).