As Christians, despite having been called out of this world (John 17:14-19), we have no choice but to interact with the world daily. Let us reflect on Paul’s advice to us in Romans 13 as Christians living in the world.

Submit to Authorities

One aspect of living in the world that Paul urges us to consider is how we act towards earthly authorities.

Do you find yourself disagreeing with Paul? We look at the governments of the world today and see how they make decisions that are unfavourable for Christians. We see the corruption that happens in many positions of power. We even find a dissonance in the Bible itself - “doesn’t the Bible say that the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one (1 John 5:19)? Didn’t the apostles themselves go against the religious leaders many times?” Thinking in this way, we may be inclined to disregard what Paul says - thinking that Paul is being too naive here, and what he says isn’t applicable to our context because our government does not feel like God’s minister.

Remember that Paul himself lived in a time when the authorities persecuted Christians. There were many corrupt, unrighteous and unreasonable officials (tax collectors who collected more than they should, Jesus’ parable of the unrighteous judge). Paul himself was subject to unreasonable judgment on various occasions, like when he was thrown into prison without trial (Acts 16:16-40). 

And yet, Paul still says this. 

Maybe we shouldn’t be too quick to throw the baby out with the bathwater. Yes, when earthly authorities are in opposition to God’s commandments, we should obey God rather than man (Acts 5:29). But otherwise, we should not despise authorities and their taxes.

Obeying authorities is in fact showing our faith and submission to God who establishes human authorities. Let us therefore reflect - while we perhaps have not committed serious crimes, are there small things we do, disregarding those we are under - the government, or our bosses? Perhaps we often park illegally or do not pay for our parking when it’s only for a short duration. Perhaps we take MCs even when we are not really sick to extend our leave. Let us consider whether our conduct in these areas is one that glorifies God and shows our submission to Him.

Know the Time

Paul encourages us to awaken out of sleep, because the night is far spent, and the day is at hand (Romans 13:11-12). For us living today, this is all the more true. Jesus’ second coming is closer than ever, and the world is ever growing in sin and rebellion against God. There are many seemingly innocuous things that are so commonplace - scrolling on social media, chasing the latest trends, following celebrities and pop stars - that we may do these things without a thought. But these things, while not necessarily being sinful in themselves, can easily lead us to the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life.

Paul tells us that besides casting off the works of darkness, we also have to put on the armour of light - that is, to put on the Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 13:12,14). Sometimes, we only focus on the former - trying to avoid sin. But if we don’t instead use our time to put on this armour of light, we often find ourselves slipping into these default habits again.

The Lord Jesus, in His ministry on earth, devoted His time fully to doing the works of God as the light of the world (John 9:4-5). Let us put on the Lord Jesus by likewise putting on good works - spending time in spiritual nurture, preaching the word, and caring for the flock. In doing so, we will find that the works of darkness no longer attract us as strongly.