Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. Therefore whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves. For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good and you will have praise from the same; for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil. Therefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath, but also for conscience' sake. For because of this you also pay taxes, for rulers are servants of God, devoting themselves to this very thing. Render to all what is due them: tax to whom tax is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor.
I'm considering preaching out of the Wycliffe New Testament, which reads in part:
Therefore he that against-standeth power, against-standeth the ordinance of God; and they that against-stand, get to themselves damnation. For princes be not to the dread of good work, but of evil. But wilt thou, that thou dread not power? Do thou good thing, and thou shalt have praising of it for he is the minister of God to thee into good. But if thou doest evil, dread thou; for not without cause he beareth the sword, for he is the minister of God, venger into wrath to him that doeth evil.
"Against-standeth power." I just like the way that sounds, but I still want more wiggle room to discern when a governmental exercise of authority is in line with the ordinance of God, rather than simply assuming that against-standing it will lead to damnation. Otherwise, it seems that Paul is wrong- rulers certainly can be a cause for fear over good behavior.
The preceeding context of Romans 13:1-7 lends an intriguing light:
Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay,"says the Lord. On the contrary:
"If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head."
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
"As far as it depends on you..." I don't yet see how to square that idea with Romans 13:1-7. Thoughts? Comments? Hail Marys?
2 comments:
I cannot help but think about Jung and how we are called to interact with out unconscious and shadow sides. When we refuse to recognize the authority of the other or refuse to recognize how we are just like the other/stranger, we challenge the shadow to come out and kick out butts. This is why we must listen to the other/stranger. Also, if we become arrogant and prideful and do not follow the will God we once again have challenged that which is dark within ourselves and once again are asking for a butt kickin time.
Paul
Paul says: "I cannot help but think about Jung." Truer words have perhaps never been spoken.
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