The Holy Bible says: “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.” (Rom 13:1) However, God never told us that we must agree with everything the government says. President Obama has been pushing a healthcare bill through congress which includes raising taxpayer money to fund abortions. If this bill passes, the Bible commands us to obey it, but we do not have to agree with it.
One difficulty about being a Christian in this human realm is that we are required to obey laws of the heavenly realm. Although we understand that God is the Ruler above all kings for all eternity, we still have to submit to earthly rulers who sometimes disobey God. The Lord has made it clear in the 10 commandments that we are not to murder, so we know that He is against abortion—the murder of a human fetus. Yet, although federal law even prohibits the destruction of an eagle embryo, some of our nation’s leaders are opposed to God’s law by pushing this legislation forward.
What is required here is the fruit of GENTLENESS. The Greek word for “gentleness” can also mean “meekness” or “humility.” If we want to be fruitful and bring glory to our Father in Heaven, we must display the fruit of gentleness. Fruitful Christians will rarely speak evil of President Obama or any national leader as the Bible says: “The Lord knows how to rescue godly men from trials and to hold the unrighteous for the Day of Judgment, while continuing their punishment. This is especially true of those who follow the corrupt desire of the sinful nature and despise authority. Bold and arrogant, these men are not afraid to slander celestial beings; yet even angels, although they are stronger and more powerful, do not bring slanderous accusations against such beings in the presence of the Lord. But these men blaspheme in matters they do not understand. (2 Pet 2:9-12)
If we bear fruit of the Spirit, then God will consider us as being godly, and as the verse above says, we will be rescued from the trials that we go through which come to all of us who live on earth. However, those who do not please God will be judged and punished by God for their actions. And, as the Scriptures tell us, those who DESPISE AUTHORITY are especially guilty and deserving of punishment because they refuse to humble themselves. Therefore, although I do not agree with President Obama or with anyone who supports forcing Americans to pay for the sin of abortion, and although I am praying for this bill not to pass, I will still submit to the bill if it does pass, and pay those additional taxes. I think it is safe to leave the judgment up to God, and let Him sort it all out in the end.
2 comments:
Although I also do not agree with the idea that abortion coverage should be included in healthcare plans, I feel hesitant about participating/buying into such healthcare plans if this bill does pass. I am hoping that the exemption to opt out of abortion coverage is passed. I guess this is when we need to be more fervent in our prayers and truly trust in God in all things.
Thank you for your words.
praying for Dwight! farmer (Björn)
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