The letter that the Apostle Paul wrote to the Church in Rome contains essential information about Christian living. Last week we began to look at a section about submission to governing authorities. In Paul’s time the Roman Empire ruled the land of Judea, Samaria, Galilee, and Decapolis, where Jesus had ministered. The people did not choose the ruling authority, it was imposed upon them. In Belize today we have a democracy. We get to choose our leaders.
The inspired words of Paul are just as fresh and full of sound advice as they were for his original readers! In Romans 13:5-7 he wrote, “Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment, but also as a matter of conscience. This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if honor, then honor,”
In the time of Jesus, the Jews resented paying taxes to Rome. That’s why the Jews who became tax collectors were despised. But the residents of the lands under Roman occupation benefitted by paved roads they did not have before, and an army that policed and defended them. It was a time of relative peace and security.
Today, our taxes and revenues pay for infrastructure we are continually developing and maintaining. We can count on the Police, Belize Defence Force, our Coastguard, Fire Service, Hospitals and Clinics to be there when we need their services. So we should cheerfully pay to the Government what is due to them, as our elected Representatives and Ministers work for the good of the electorate and our nation.
When others see us, as Christians, following the laws of our land, they have to be impressed with our willing compliance. We do not rebel or protest against the Government. (See Romans 13:2) This will bring us respect, and draw others to follow Jesus as their Savior and best friend. Then people will know what the Church stands for, rather than what it is protesting against!
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