DCLM Daily Manna 7 July 2024 Devotional By Pastor W. F. Kumuyi — “True Patriots”
TOPIC: “True Patriots” (DCLM Daily Manna 7 July 2024)
KEY VERSE: “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God” (Romans 13:1).
TEXT: Romans 13:1-7 (KJV)
1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.
2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.
3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:
4 For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.
5 Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.
6 For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.
7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.
MESSAGE:
Emperor Nero was one of the most wicked Roman rulers at the time of the early Church. He was so cruel he had his mother and wife executed and was most notorious for blaming a tragic fire that decimated Rome on the Christians, resulting in thousands of believers dying through harsh persecutions. Yet, to this man and his government, Paul issued the command for allegiance and patriotism. That command is still as timeless as it is universal for believers in every clime, culture or country.
Believers are to obey the civil authorities, regardless of our perception of how they emerged or function, in as much as they are not asking that we disobey God’s commands. This expected voluntary submission to secular authorities is because “…the powers that be (the existence, authority, position, offices, etc. of government) are ordained of (permitted or established by) God”. Besides, government officials are sent by God. They execute justice for God and are playing their part under His sovereign administration (Daniel 4:32).
This is why Christians are expected to be patriotic and law- abiding citizens. All forms of civil disobedience, participation in rebellion, social unrest, acts of militancy, etc. will be tantamount to resisting the institution of God. They are not consistent with the expected lifestyle of true Christians.
The command to be patriotic has nothing to do with the government of the day and everything to do with the spiritual condition of the believer. We are to render to all their dues by paying correct taxes, utility bills, etc. without cheating. However, where the laws of civil government conflict with the word of God, we should be able to say, we ought to obey God rather than men.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Patriotic Christians are gospel flag bearers.
THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
Genesis 21-23
Deeper Life Daily Manna was written by Pastor W. F. Kumuyi; is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church situated at KM 42 on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria.
