Respect for Authority

Duty Toward Civil Authority. "Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold not terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority: Then do what is right and he will commend you. For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing. Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor." Romans 13:1-7

I will be good from now on and watch what I say and do about those in authority. In Daniel God says that He raises up those in leadership whom He chooses.

Dearest Father, Help me to honor and respect those in authority and to be an example of You to others in my actions and in my words. I love you and ask for forgiveness for every thoughtless word that I have spoken in disrespect to you and about those in authority, Your servants. In Your Son's Holy Name, AMEN.