Daily Devotional for September 29, 2015

Romans 13:1-3
Be a good citizen. All governments are under God. Insofar as there is peace and order, it’s God’s order. So live responsibly as a citizen. If you’re irresponsible to the state, then you’re irresponsible with God, and God will hold you responsible. Duly constituted authorities are only a threat if you’re trying to get by with something. Decent citizens should have nothing to fear.

Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson.  Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO.  All rights reserved.
 
Back in the day, it seemed like everyone had one of those little gizmos that sat on the dash of your car and alerted you if there was a policeman “running radar” nearby.  I remember our nieces and nephews (who are now parents themselves) talking about THEIR parents having these devices.  Something about the idea of teaching children to obey the laws and those who enforce them…then using a device to circumvent the same…seemed a little skewed to us.  Doesn’t having a “radar detector” pretty much say, “I plan to exceed the speed limit…but I don’t plan on getting caught!”?

One of the child psychology principles I learned was that we should never tell a child, “If I see or hear you do that again, XYZ will happen.”  This signals to the child that what we don’t see or hear doesn’t count!  Many have internalized this idea and taken it to new levels as adults. As long as we don’t get caught…we’re okay.

HELLO!  Someone is ALWAYS watching!  And I’m not talking about other people.  If no mortal ever sees or hears you do something sinful, disobedient, unlawful, judgmental or unkind…God will know.  That should be all you need to know…the end of the story…enough reason to be a good citizen - in your community, state, and country…and in the Kingdom of God.

This is a critical point that many miss.  There was a commercial for hair color years ago that said, “Only your hairdresser knows for sure.”  Our culture is filled with suggestions that “nobody will know” – and that this makes everything okay.  We must stop and realize that GOD KNOWS EVERYTHING.  In light of this thought, is what you are saying, doing, and thinking truly alright? 

There is no such thing as a “radar detector” with God!  And aren’t we glad?! Because God knows everything about us, He is also totally ready to protect and bless us.  As long as we are good stewards of His love and grace, we have no need to worry…nothing to fear.  This should be all the incentive we need to honor Him in everything. 

There is no need to hide behind the “protection” of a device on the dash – or the “comfort” of secrecy - when we are honestly and obediently serving God.  Will this be the day you get rid of your “radar detectors” and begin to live responsibly as an earthly – AND heavenly – citizen?  Don’t you think it should be?

©2015 Debbie Robus