"I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercessions and thanksgiving be made for all people--for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness." 1 Timothy 2: 1-2 NIV
It used to be that employees got raises for time served and good behavior. (smile) I currently work where raises are "scheduled" according to how many hours I've invested in the institution: not for promptness, good use of time, hard work, or taking initiative. And only if wages aren't frozen to deal with a recession or budget shortfall.
I'm motivated by work ethic and raises given according to work performed; but it does make me ponder. Are raises then a compliment? Or an expression of increased responsibility? I suspect both.
As the news media tells the nation, in bold print, that the Republicans have taken over control of the House and the Senate, I ask the same question and come up with the same answer. Shall Republicans receive this as a compliment? Sure, they should. Should they also receive it as a trust; an expression of increased responsibility? Absolutely!
I've tried to do much reading in the last 6 months on the business of politics. These men and women face no easy task. Passions and compromise are hard to reconcile.
When writing fiction, authors are encouraged to give villains redeeming qualities, and heroes a character flaw. None of us is perfectly good or perfectly evil. Can we believe that and trust God?
Can we remind ourselves that God raises up government officials for our blessing--or for our discipline. And yet, with that, we are always called to pray and obey. But knowing, when we must choose between obeying man's word or God's Word, Always God!
" Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God." Romans 13: 1 NIV
Ever-Dependent On Him,
Lonnie
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