In light of recent discussions regarding current events, and in my on going effort, as a SS teacher, to make each lesson relevant to our lives today, I bring the following point for discussion.
I was not a fan of the Bush administration, father or son, but son was worse for me. I was tempted and did initially join in with those who expressed thier frustrations by disrespecting the President by calling him names other than those given by his parents or due him accompanying the respect due the office.
I was then convicted by the words of someone who reminded us that God only sets up rulers and He only takes them down, and I am not, but I believe at the time referenced Romans 13. I realized at that time, that in my personal realtionship with Jesusu Christ, I needed to respect all authority if I believe Him to be Ruler of All. And simply that Our Heavenly Father, like any other parent does not appreciate that kind of thing between His children. At any rate, our SS lesson is on Romans 12 & 13. Roman 13:1-7(NIV) reads as follows:
Romans 13
Submission to the Authorities
1Everyone 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. 2Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3For rulers hold no 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. 4For 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. 5Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. 6This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing. 7Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.
Thoughts, if any?