In today’s verse, Paul teaches us four simple ways we should act toward authority. He teaches us that no one is excluded from this verse, not one. He says that we are to submit to the governing authorities that have been established by Him. Then most importantly, God has all authority over the entire earth. That means God is in control. Nothing happens that hasn’t been filtered through His hands. We don’t have to like or agree with the authority figures in our life or in our country, but we are called to submit and respect them. By doing so, we are honoring God.
This verse isn’t encouraging us to compromise our beliefs but to be above reproach. As believers in Jesus Christ, we have something special that the world doesn’t have, and that’s Jesus. He is where our confidence lies, not in our leadership. Matthew 6 reassures us that we are not to worry about our life, our bodies, or what we are going to eat or wear. He even tells us not to worry about tomorrow because God promises to take care of us and give us everything we need. This includes who He establishes in leadership. What an amazing opportunity we have to share the gospel in hopes that those around us can find their security and worth in Jesus, not in man.