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How to Love my Country (Without Losing my Mind)  

Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished. For the authorities do not strike fear in people who are doing right, but in those who are doing wrong. Would you like to live without fear of the authorities? Do what is right, and they will honor you. The authorities are God’s servants, sent for your good. But if you are doing wrong, of course you should be afraid, for they have the power to punish you. They are God’s servants, sent for the very purpose of punishing those who do what is wrong. So you must submit to them, not only to avoid punishment, but also to keep a clear conscience. Pay your taxes, too, for these same reasons. For government workers need to be paid. They are serving God in what they do. Give to everyone what you owe them: Pay your taxes and government fees to those who collect them, and give respect and honor to those who are in authority. Romans 13:1-7 NLT

Celebrate when they get something right

Pay your taxes, too, for these same reasons. For government workers need to be paid. They are serving God in what they do. Give to everyone what you owe them: Pay your taxes and government fees to those who collect them, and give respect and honor to those who are in authority. Romans 13:6-7 NLT

Submit to the authority they have  

Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished. Romans 13:1-2 NLT

Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. Romans 13:2 ESV

Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor. 1 Peter 2:16-17 ESV

Appreciate the work they do

The authorities are God’s servants, sent for your good. But if you are doing wrong, of course you should be afraid, for they have the power to punish you. They are God’s servants, sent for the very purpose of punishing those who do what is wrong. So you must submit to them, not only to avoid punishment, but also to keep a clear conscience. Romans 13:4-5 NLT

Participate politically in a way that reflects Jesus

But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified. 1 Corinthians 9:27 ESV

Trust in the plan God has

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. Romans 8:28 NLT

Remind yourself of your final destination

Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me so that you also may be where I am. John 14:1-3 NLT/ ESV

But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself. Philipians 3:20-21 ESV

My Notes

Personal Reflection Guide

Get alone with God. Find a place where you can simply be with God, away from your normal activities and distractions. Take a moment to just breathe deeply, allowing your body, mind and heart to settle, bringing your attention to God.  When you're ready, begin a conversation with God about how you see authority over your life, whether that’s relational, vocational, governmental and/or spiritual. Talk with God and ponder some of the following questions: What is my overall view on authority and obedience? What has been my experience with those who’ve been in authority over me? Where has my trust been broken and where has it been upheld? How is my view on authority in or out of alignment with God’s word? How does my view of authority impact my relationship with and obedience to God? Take some time to write down your experience of this time in prayer and reflection. Let that also be a part of your prayer time with God. Then, bring your time to a close by thanking God for your time together. Share your experience with someone whom you trust.

Discussion Questions

  1. What have you been learning about yourself, God or others in your personal Bible reading time? What stood out to you this week?
  2. Read Romans 13:1-2. When you read this passage, what thoughts, feelings or experiences come to mind and where does that come from within you?
  3. Continue reading Romans 13:3. In an ideal world, this step by step process would work 100% of the time. However, in our real and fallen world, injustice exists. When have you been doing what was right and experienced dishonor or injustice by those in authority over you and how did that make you feel?
  4. Continue reading Romans 13:4-5. While it can be easy to focus on the mistakes of those in authority over us, what is at least one thing they have done well recently that is worthy of acknowledgment?
  5. Continue reading Romans 13:6-7. As you think through the authorities in your life (familial, professional, governmental, etc.) what is one thing you can do this week to show your appreciation to them for their service? 
  6. Read John 14:1-3. As you think ahead to when God sets all things right, what aspect of life and authority are you most looking forward to being restored in Heaven and what is one thing you can do this week to live in that hope that you have?