Pray To God And Then Obey His Commands

James LaPorta from the 1/19/21Associated Press wrote an article entitled, 2 National Guard Members Removed From Biden Inauguration Over Militia Ties.  During times of global and national crises, we should be able to totally trust our elected officials, police officers, military, national guard and other authorized agencies to not have conflicts of interests, to protect us and to adhere to their constitutional responsibilities.  

 

The Bible says that we are to submit to these authorities because they are ordained by God (Romans 13:1-4).  We are not to fear them if we do what is right.  However, when those in authority do not adhere to their lawful rules and regulations, terrible results may ensue.  

 

What should the body of Christ do when there is wrongdoing among those responsible to protect us?  First, we must pray continually (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Second, although we must pray for everyone, we must especially pray for those who are in authority so that we all can live quiet and peaceful lives (1 Timothy 2:1-2).  

 

Third, while praying, we must ask for directions from God (Philippians 4:6).  During the Civil Rights movement, they were peaceful, prayerful, and made their petitions known to the proper authorities.  Last, we must then act on what God tells us to do.  Saint Augustinewrote, “Pray as though everything depended on God. Work as though everything depended on you.”  

 

God may be leading us to write letters to people and institutions of influence.  He may lead us to organize, and comment through the internet to change minds or to peacefully march. He may even tell us to cry out and speak truth to power because of evil doings (Isaiah 58:1).  Let us pray and then act obediently to God.

 

Romans 13:1-4

Amplified Bible

1 Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God [granted by His permission and sanction], and those which exist have been put in place by God. 

2 Therefore whoever resists [governmental] authority resists the ordinance of God. And those who have resisted it will bring judgment (civil penalty) on themselves.
3 For [civil] authorities are not a source of fear for [people of] good behavior, but for [those who do] evil. Do you want to be unafraid of authority? Do what is good and you will receive approval and commendation. 

4 For he is God’s servant to you for good. But if you do wrong, [you should] be afraid; for he does not carry the [executioner’s] sword for nothing. He is God’s servant, an avenger who brings punishment on the wrongdoer.

 

1 Thessalonians 5:17

New International Version

17 pray continually, 

 

1 Timothy 2:1-2

New International Version

1 I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— 
2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.

 

Philippians 4:6

New International Version

6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

 

Isaiah 58:1

New International Version

1 “Shout it aloud, do not hold back. Raise your voice like a trumpet. Declare to my people their rebellion and to the descendants of Jacob their sins.