Earthly masters aka politicians

[anna274]

There was a time when I tried very hard to walk a tightrope between sticking my head in the sand and standing on my soapbox regarding the wickedness of leaders, especially politicians.  I was and still am a news junkie so sticking my head in the sand hardly ever happened. But, I wanted so to be a well-balanced person.  My greatest frustration was paying income taxes at a time when the party in control used MY money to pay for abortions... among other frustrations. 

I was led to

1 Tim 2:1-4

First of all, then, I admonish and urge that petitions,prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be offered on behalf of all men,

For kings and all who are in positions of authority or high responsibility, that [outwardly] we may pass a quiet and undisturbed life [and inwardly] a peaceable one in all godliness and reverence and seriousness in every way.

For such PRAYing is good and right, and it is pleasing and acceptable to God our Savior,

Who wishes ALL MEN TO BE SAVED and [increasingly] to perceive and recognize and discern and know precisely the [divine] Truth.

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which led me to

Col 3:22-24
Servants, OBEY in everything those who are your earthly masters, not only when their eyes are on you as pleasers of men, but in simplicity of purpose with all your heart because of your reverence for the Lord and as a sincere expression of your devotion to Him.

....  knowing with all certainty that it is from the Lord and not from men that you will receive the inheritance which is your real reward.  The One Whom you are actually serving is the Lord Christ (the Messiah).       see also Eph 6:5-8

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which led me to
Matt 17:27

However, in order not to give offense and cause them to stumble [that is, to cause them to judge unfavorably and unjustly] go down to the sea and throw in a hook.  Take the first fish that comes up, and when you open its mouth you will find there a shekel.  Take it and give it to them to PAY the temple tax for Me and for yourself.   (The person who led me  to this verse, reminded me that the leaders in Jesus' time were much worse than our leaders)


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seems so simple  PRAY, OBEY, PAY  but, of course, the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak. 

Eventually though ...the peace of God, that surpasses all understanding, guarded/kept my heart and thoughts in Christ Jesus.

I learned that the PEACE of God is better than balance (choosing, compromising, etc.) 

[jabcat]

I like it.  It goes against the grain sometimes, but let God be true and every man a liar.

[Molly]

Except for one thing--they are not our earthly masters.  We are their earthly masters. 

When did it become otherwise?  Go back and read the Declaration of Independence.

Happy fourth of July!



We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed,

[lomarah]

Happy Canada Day!!  :banana: :rocker:

:D

[ded2daworld]

One of the apostles was a zealot. A zealot was a pharisee in favor of the violent overthrow of the Roman Government which ruled them at the time. Of course, Jesus changed him and he becaame known as the peaceful disciple.