Are You Intentionally Speeding 

© 2023 by Tom Boynton (editing by Kathy Boynton)

“Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.” (Romans 13:1)

Does this imply that all governmental powers are good and Godly?  No!  However, no governmental power exists apart from God’s permission for it to exist.  Even an evil government is to be obeyed unless such obedience requires disobedience to God.  However, if they command us to disobey God, we must refuse and obey God instead.  One time, Peter and some other apostles were ordered to stop preaching about Jesus Christ the Savior.  On that occasion, they told those authorities,

“…We ought to obey God rather than men.” (Acts 5:29)

They continued preaching about Jesus Christ, the Savior.  However, if we can obey governmental authority, and still obey God, we are to do so.  Because of this, when driving, I try to limit my speed to the posted limit.  Sometimes I fail.  This usually happens when I fail to notice the most recent speed limit change.  Sometimes, when this happens, I get a ticket.  This makes me realize I need to more carefully obey the authorities my loving Savior has set over me.

I’ve known professing Christians who buy radar detectors so they can speed with impunity in the absence of speed traps.  Others intentionally drive five miles per hour over the posted speed limit.  They do this because they believe that, if they drive no faster than this, they won’t get stopped.  Both of these behaviors represent disregard for God’s command to obey governmental authority.  However, even if you don’t get stopped, God knows that you’ve disregarded His command to obey authority.  There may also be a negative impact on your example before the unsaved.  If unsaved people see you ignoring your Savior’s command, they may disregard your presentation of His gospel to them.

It is my desire for my life to point unsaved people to Jesus Christ, my Savior.  I know that I often fail in this endeavor.  However, it is my desire to fail less and less.

God the Son, Jesus Christ, died on the cross to save His people from their sins.  He is the only source of eternal life.

“He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son.  And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.  He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.” (1 John 5:10-12)

How about you?  Are you a Christian purposely disobeying Christ?  Or are you an unsaved person justifying yourself in unbelief because of inconsistencies you see in the lives of Christians?

 

You may leave comments for Tom & Kathy (website administrators) below.