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 “Everyone must submit to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God”.[ Romans 13:1 NIV ] When I was a child one of my favorite presents was a color book and it didn’t matter what occasion, whether it was Christmas or a birthday. My early color books didn’t turn out as impressive as my latter issues. However, as time and practice honed my skills, I had no trouble staying inside the lines. As an adult I still enjoy coloring, especially with my grandchildren. I see my five year old granddaughter experience the same struggle of keeping the color inside the lines, whereas my two year old grandson has no concept of the boundaries. It’s interesting to watch the transition when a child realizes the that the lines represent the boundaries or limits. I relate to the joy when my granddaughter expresses the joy of being able to work within the parameters set by the color book artist. When applying this illustration to our relationship between patriotism honoring God, it is good to understand there are limits to any illustration. My only hope is to transfer my thoughts to your mind with the above illustration. To make the most of this message, it will make for better understanding if the Bible passages sited are read from whaterver translation suits you. I recommend this page be printed out so you can take more time to read and look up the Bible references. The Bible is quite clear when it draws the line between obedience to God and national allegiance. For example, the prophet Daniel defied a decree that demanded he worship the king in place of God and was thrown into a lion’s den as a result.[ Daniel 6:1-28 ] The line was clearly drawn when Moses etched the Laws and statutes of God on two stone tablets.[ Deuteronomy 5:1-21 ] God made it very clear to Moses to pass this information on to future generations of Israelites. So that the people He had chosen to bear the light of His presence to the world would understand the parameters He had established and the consequenses for disobedience.[ Deuteronomy 6:1-25 ] Daniel was not the only one to refuse to go beyond the holy lines. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were spared from being the main course at the kings barbeque when they refused to bow down to Nebuchadnezzar’s golden image of himself.[ Daniel 3:1-30 ] By not bowing down to worship the creature, these men were able to work within the lines of the Babylonian system without stepping over the devine parameters. Even king Nebuchadnezzar came to understand this eternal truth the hard way.[ Daniel 4:1-37 ; 5:18-21 ]The book of Esther is the grand illustration of someone working within the system and yet not stepping over the holy line. It may be interesting to note that as you read the book of Esther, it is the only book in the Bible that does not use the word God. Yet His presence is real and penetrating. Jesus Christ defines all the lines drawn in the Law , the Prophets and Psalms.[ Luke 24:44 ] Jesus was asked a trick question regarding the line of allegiance between God and country. Jesus basically said, choose you this day who you will serve.[ Matthew 22:21 ]Joshua put forth the same invitation for Israel to choose sides.[ Joshua 24:15 ] On another occasion, Jesus recommended to Peter that in order not to offend; they should pay their taxes.[ Matthew 17:24-27 ] The apostle Paul is establishing a platform by which the Christian can work within the world system and yet not step over the line.[ Romans 13:1 NIV ]Paul states where our true citizenship resides.[ 2 Corinthians 10:3 ] Once we establish where and to whom we belong, the church will be able to pledge allegiance to the flag and honor God with a clear conscience. In the light of what has occured in New York on September 11, 2001 and subsequent actions taken by our President. The line is clearly drawn as to our governments role in protecting its citizens. It is the God given right of every human being to defend themselves and their love ones.[ 1 Timothy 5:8 ]When human beings can define the difference between kill and murder, then we will know how to work within the lines. When Jesus told us to turn the other cheek, He was not talking about being a doormat. He is taking about meekness. Certainly there is a difference between someone striking you on the cheek and trying to take your life. Being meek is not being weak. Being meek is knowing the difference and working toward reconciliation what ever the cost. So what is the Christian’s role in world today? How do we conduct ourselves in the midst of a system we had no choice of advent? Here again we need the Bible’s defining rod.[ 1 Peter 2:13-17 ] What should be the Christian’s attitude and action toward governing authority?[1 Timothy 2:1 & 2 ] If you are seeking hope for a new life, it all begins with Jesus. Begin Here!
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