September 26, 2024

Passage Read: Romans 12-13
Meditation Verse: 13:3

Thought

I don't know of many governing authorities who will praise someone for doing good, though they all should desire for their citizens to do good. There are awards and such for those who do good, but it usually requires a nomination, so the average person who does what is right doesn't necessarily receive praise. Not like the police will follow you for a while and see your good driving and pull you over to give a commendation. So I shouldn't really live in hope of receiving the praise of governing authorities, but I should live in such a way that if they did give out commendations, I would be worthy of one. I know, after all, that God Himself will give out commendations when He judges His people, and He keeps track of everything.

Application

Though I may not receive any award or praise for doing what is right, I do not need to fear the governing authorities if I do what is right. Even if the authorities become so corrupt and evil, I don't need to fear them if I consistently do what is right. They may actually hate me, but I'll have a clear conscience before God.