"Rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you."
(ROMANS 13:3)

Romans 13
We bring stress on ourselves when we live our lives in disobedience to the authorities. In prison, there were rules about the types and amounts of property one could have. In the California system, I was allowed only ten books and/or periodicals. But I always had more. I was allowed only one pair of headphones. Yet I always had two. There were other similar things I did which broke the rules.


Consequently, every time there was a major cell search, I got scared. I would live in fear of the time they’d come to my cell to search it and would find my “contraband”. Even now – with prison many years behind me – I notice that I am much more stressed when I am speeding down the highway than when I am obeying the driving laws. Do you know that feeling? When we cut corners at work, bend the tax laws, or break the rules society sets up, we live in fear of the authorities. Paul instructs us to obey the rules. When we live for Christ in this dark world, His light shines through us and brings freedom from fear.



Scripture Focus

Romans 13

Insight

GOD ORDAINED THE AUTHORITIES IN OUR LIVES FOR OUR GOOD. OBEYING REDUCES STRESS, TENSION AND FEAR, AND IT BRINGS HIM THE GLORY.

Bible In A Year

  • Leviticus 7-8
  • Psalm 49
  • Luke 13

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