DCLM Daily Manna 22 January 2024

TOPIC: Our Civic Responsibility

TEXT:  Romans 13:1-8 (KJV) 
Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.

² Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.

³ For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:

⁴ For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.

⁵ Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.

⁶ For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.

⁷ Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.

⁸ Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.

KEY VERSE
“Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.”.
Romans 13:1

DCLM Daily Manna 22 Jan 2024 MESSAGE

John Calvin, a French protestant reformer, believed that we owe it an obligation to respect and obey our rulers as long as our obedience to their commands does not contradict the laws of God.

Our reading today directs us to our obligations and responsibilities to our spiritual and secular leaders because they are ordained of God. We are to give them high respect and support as much as it lies within our power. Resisting them amounts to resisting the ordinance of God, which will attract damnation from Him. The leaders are directly or indirectly ministers of God to us for good. We are to be subject to them by paying our taxes and rendering to them all our dues and custom, honouring and respecting them.

READ Daily Manna Sunday 21 January 2024 – Holy Withdrawal

Whatever is the condition of our society or government activities today, God still commands us to obey and respect the authorities. They may be corrupt; yet, we are to pray for them and never join them in their corruption, even if we have the opportunity to serve under them. We are expected to show deference to the government of the day in as much as they rule under the ambit of God’s law. Jesus Christ and His disciples obeyed the government of their day. Even though many of them were unjustly treated, imprisoned and denied access to social amenities, they still fulfilled their civic obligations.

It is our responsibility to make our society better. We must pay our taxes, take part in social work, vote during elections and take part in developmental projects in our communities. Our responsibilities in the church of God are just as highly essential; they must be equally carried out with every sense of responsibility.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
A true Christian aims to leave where he dwells better than he met it.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Acts 18-19