Romans 13  Being a follower of Jesus.. walking as He walked.. transformed by His Spirit.. we are called to be righteous and to do good.  Paul gives some practical teaching here... 

The first, and perhaps most shocking to his readers, is to "be in subjection to the governing authorities.."  We can't even begin to imagine this when we think of the evil of someone like Nero or Herod. Roman soldiers were not that much different than say.. the Nazi's during WWII.  They were cruel and evil, led by cruel and evil leaders. Yet, Paul tells us, these authorities were "established by God."  He allowed it.. for His own purposes.  He still allows it.. China, North Korea, Russia, etc... We don't understand, but we don't have to.. we just need to trust Him. 

Our part is to do good... to obey the law.. to be subject.  The rest is in God's Mighty hand.  We are to "Render to all what is due them: tax to whom tax is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor." 

The second thing that Paul teaches is that we are to "Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law."  The commandments, Paul says, are "summed up in this saying, ' You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' "   Love..does not "commit adultery.. murder.. steal.. covet.. " or commit any other sin against others.  Just one thing to remember.. LOVE. 

"And this do, knowing the time, that it is already the hour for you to awaken from sleep; for now salvation is nearer to us then when we believed." ( v11)  We must put aside the actions and attitudes of the world and "put on the Lord Jesus Christ.."  For He is coming soon!

Father in heaven, we desire that Christ be in us and shine through us.. to love.. to obey.. and to serve.  Fill us once again.. that Your Spirit will flow from us.. Living Water for a thirsty world.  Thank You for the Word and for Your promises. Thank You that You have good plans for us.. for me.. that  no matter what..I am Yours and You will no let me go.  We give You praise and honor and devotion.. for You alone are worthy of all our worship. Be exalted O God.. above the heavens and in all the earth, we pray in Jesus' name. Amen.