Titus 3:1-2

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has 38 member countries. It regularly runs surveys to discover the level of trust that people have in their government. In the UK, that level is about 40 per cent, lower than in the majority of countries. This result is not that surprising. People are endlessly critical of our political leaders and deeply cynical about the political process. However, I am sure that when Paul wrote to Titus, the situation in Crete was a great deal worse. And, to add to that, Cretans were notoriously turbulent and quarrelsome, inclined
to challenge every kind of authority. So Paul’s words would have come as a huge challenge to them.

In Romans 13:1-7, Paul gave his fundamental reason for encouraging obedience to the government. He believed that their authority came from God and, so, rebelling against the government was a form of rebellion against God himself. Paul reasoned that the authorities were feared by people who were doing wrong, not those who were doing right, so believers should have no reason to be afraid of them. Indeed, he argued that if the people did what was right, the authorities would honour them. The authorities, he said, were God’s servants and sent for the very purpose of punishing those who do wrong. For all of these reasons, Paul was convinced Christians should live as good, responsible citizens and pay their taxes willingly.

These challenging words should cause us to reflect on our own relationship with the authorities in our own society. Paul would certainly urge us to live as good citizens and to give thanks for those who give us security and an ordered society. I don’t believe that Paul was suggesting we should simply accept everything the government does but, as good and responsible citizens, we should find ways of encouraging and supporting those who bear such heavy responsibilities.

QUESTION
In what ways should we show our support for our government?

PRAYER
Father God, I pray for those who govern our country. Grant them your wisdom and peace, and help me always to serve you well as a citizen. Amen

Released on 12 Jul 2023