Forever Home in the Eternal Family of God

Daily Encouragement for the Family of God by Kenton Cheek

August 13, 2025

Reading From Romans 13

“For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.

This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. ⁷ Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.”

—Romans 13:4-7

     The Bible teaches us to obey the laws of whatever nation we live in.  As sons and daughters of God, our citizenship is in Heaven, but we are temporary residents of our community, region and nation.  If there are laws which we find to be contrary to balanced, biblical principles, then I believe that we have a responsibility to work to change those laws.  We are to do whatever we can to see that the work of God moves forward in whatever cultural and legal context we are part of.  The higher law of God must be followed always and we must seek His wisdom and courage to do so.

     I see perfect harmony throughout the Word of God because God is not a man that He should lie.  Therefore, nothing He says will contradict what He has already revealed.  In Acts 5, Peter and the apostles stood before the High Priest and the Sanhedrin.  In response to the ruling council’s command that they no longer teach in the Name of the Lord Jesus, “Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.”  When I interpret this passage with Paul’s teaching in Romans 13, I conclude that we are to obey God in all contexts and work to change laws that don’t align with our values. 

     In the United States, there are many legal paths for citizens to change the laws of the land.  I understand that in other nations there are varying levels of difficulty and limitations for common citizens to participate in the legislative process and so I would follow the wisdom of the serenity prayer, “ God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference.”  With this in mind, we ought to be reminded that the power of God’s love found in the Gospel is the most powerful agent of change in all the world.  Never underestimate what God can do in any context.

     Love is the prevailing value of our faith.  God is love.  The Great Commandment is to love God, love others and love ourselves in healthy, holy ways.  The fruit of the Spirit is love.  Love proves our faith to be genuine.  Galatians 5:22-23 tells us, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”  We can courageously follow the more excellent way in any cultural and legal context.  Be faithful to follow God no matter what and ask Him for guidance as we navigate the world we live in.

“Holy Spirit, bless us with special knowledge and wisdom as we live out Your truth wherever we are.  Give us the courage to be faithful to You no matter what challenge we face.  I pray for my brothers and sisters who are living in nations where our faith is illegal.  Bless them with peace, strength, and hope to bear up and persevere.  We ask that You thwart the plans of the enemy as he seeks to steal, kill and destroy.  Show us how we can diligently work for positive change and see laws enacted that are in alignment with Your Word.  Speak words of encouragement and wisdom to Your people all over the world.  Give us Your eternal perspective on the challenges we face.  I pray these things in the strong and mighty Name of Jesus.  Amen.”

And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription?

They say unto him, Caesar’s. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s.

When they had heard these words, they marvelled, and left him, and went their way.

—Matthew 22:20-22

Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.

—I Peter 2:17

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

—Joshua 1:9

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.

—John 16:33

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

—Isaiah 41:10

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

—Philippians 4:6

I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

—Philippians 4:13

Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to him, “King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.”

—Daniel 3:16-18