So I get that Paul is writing to Jewish people who are under the rule of Rome. This puts him in a precarious political situation and it is under this context that I read this passage. And at the same time it is under this context that I think about our current government. Romans 13:1 “Everyone must obey state authorities, because no authority exists without God’s permission, and the existing authorities have been put there by God ”

As I look at the divisiveness of our current political process, I have no idea how that horror could be in power by the authority of God. I am not only talking about our President–I am still a reluctant supporter who believes that if he was a lilly White man who put a bunch of other White men into secretary positions would not be facing quite the backlash he is facing today (but I digress). If we look at the church however, there is a similar fight going on. Our leaders are fighting and arguing over who should be allowed… who should have the authority to… While some leaders are fighting to open space, to invite more people to the table, there are others who say that the table is full and should be reserved for the chosen. If we are counting on a clear message of who those folks are then we will be utterly disappointed. Those who think that they have an inherent right to be at the table because they have a huge pledge or are under authority by a lineage that has always been there, then like the face of our government there is a rude awakening coming your way.

As Paul goes on to say, while one should recognize the state authorities, follow laws, and PAY TAXES (PLEASE NOTE THE PAYING TAXES PART); the true ruler of our lives should be LOVE. Romans 13:8 “Be under obligation to no one–the only obligation you have is to love one another. Whoever does this has obeyed the Law.”

Let us then not just follow government’s rules and pay our taxes, but at the end of the day our true call is to “love our neighbors.” This law is the most important law for all of us, in or outside of government. As we go through this election season I am moved by the yoking of these two things. Yes participate in governmental ways by paying your taxes and following the Laws of State and participating in the democratic process. But above all this love the people around you and far away. Love your enemy even though it’s a pretty hard task. For your neighbor is not defined by geographical location. How will I/you love our neighbor today?

Feel free to leave a comment naming your one good deed for the day–I always try to do mine. It could be as simple as listening to your friend that has told you the same story five times or picking up a piece a trash. But express your love for your neighbor in an outward action and tell me about it. I am listening as my one good deed for today.