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“Render therefore to all their dues: tribute [taxes] to whom tribute is due; custom [duties or taxes on imports] whom custom; fear [respect] to whom fear; honour to whom honour” (Romans 13:7).
Away back after the flood in Noah’s time, God established government in this world, and we still have government today. We can be thankful for those in government who maintain law and order for us. In order to keep the country going, these governments often impose taxes on us, so that they can pay for various services in the country. God has also established those who are in positions that demand respect, and we are told to give respect and honor to those in positions of authority.
Unhappily, in much of the western world today, the respect and honor that ought to be given to those in positions of authority is often not present. Some people feel that they can insult and defy the government over us, and also can be rude and abusive to those who should be respected.
It is true that sometimes those in these positions do not act uprightly, but we as Christians are told to give them honor and respect because it is the Lord who has put them there.
Yes, they will be held accountable by the Lord for how they use their authority, but it honors the Lord when we submit to them.
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