Romans Devotional

Day 48 - Personal Debt

Reading: Romans 13: 8-10

Reflective Thoughts

Personal Debt

The Federal Reserve in 2010 indicated that the total amount of consumer debt in the U.S. economy was $2.4 trillion dollars. That works out to around $7,800 for every man, woman and child who live in the United States. Most financial experts will tell you that debt is not a good thing. Paul seems to concur in verse 8, with one exception-what he calls the debt of love.

We don't often think that we owe others our kindness our love or even forgiveness-unless they have paid the same to us in full. However in God's economy it doesn't work that way. The unmerciful servant in Matthew 18:23-35 was condemned because he failed to acknowledge the mercy of his Master in his dealings with others. If the measure of God's love for us determines the degree of debt we owe to love others, how are we doing in paying it out?

Day 47 - Third Year Followers

Reading: Romans 13:1-7

Reflective Thoughts

Third Year Followers

It's not easy to follow a leader you don't like. If you didn't know who the president was, you could probably tell by who is complaining about him-at least until year three of his term. Then just about everyone complains. That's politics!

Paul, however, isn't talking about political preferences in these verses. Plainly and simply his instructions are to be in submission to our authorities-government or otherwise. Consider who was in power at the time that Paul wrote this: Nero. He was no sweetheart to the believer. Not long after the Book of Romans was written, Nero persecuted and tortured Christians in barbarous ways.

Paul's viewpoint is that every leader, whether it be your pastor, your boss, your professor, or your president was placed in authority over you for your good, even if you must apply Romans 8:28 to accept it. The question is, do our words render honor where honor is due-or are we third-year followers?