Listen to The Daily Word online. As a minister, I officiate at numerous weddings and funerals every year. I wear the same thing for both: dark suit, white shirt, subdued tie, and black shoes. My sartorial intention is not to stand out, to keep everyone’s focus on who’s getting married or buried. But lately, I’ve stood out nonetheless. With more and more people dressing casually for milestone events—including wearing shorts, T-shirts, and flip-flops to funerals—I’m often the only suit in the room. Doesn’t anyone dress appropriately for the occasion anymore?  In Romans 13.11-14, Paul uses the image of dressing appropriately … Continue reading Dressing Appropriately for the Occasion (Romans 13.14-18)

Listen to The Daily Word online. Recently, while shopping in Target for our nieces, my wife and I came across a child’s T-shirt emblazoned with “The Toddler Laws of Property”: If I like it, it's mine. If it's in my hand, it's mine. If I had it a little while ago, it's mine. If it looks just like mine, it's mine. If I think it's mine, it's mine. Isn’t it sad that we all know adults who still operate by these childish rules?  Romans 13.8-10 outlines a more mature mentality:  Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to … Continue reading Mine or Thine? (Romans 13.8-10)

Listen to The Daily Word online.  Recently, my wife and I were on vacation in Stockholm, Sweden. Our tour guide was extolling the virtues of Sweden’s welfare state: free schooling, free healthcare, free assistance to parents of newborns, etc. Finally, my wife—who has an MBA from Pepperdine—could take it no longer. She asked what Sweden’s tax rates were, and, when told, pointed out that none of those services were free. They were bought and paid for by taxpayers.  Taxes are a tricky subject. Some American Christians think we ought to raise taxes in order to provide more services for citizens, … Continue reading Taxes and Other Obligations (Romans 13.6-7)

Listen to The Daily Word online.  Yesterday, I argued that submission—which I defined as deference to authority and obedience to law—should be the Christian’s fundamental attitude toward government. I also noted that Acts 5.29 qualifies the extent of that submission when the state makes and enforces fundamentally unjust laws. But submission describes only the responsibility of the Christian citizen. What is the responsibility of the state? What is government for?  Once again, let’s read Romans 13.1-5:  Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have … Continue reading What Government Is For (Romans 13.1-5)

Listen to The Daily Word online.  In even-numbered years, we Americans turn our attention to government as we cast our votes in national elections. With those elections just a month away, I’d like to take this opportunity to share a few biblical insights about government.   Now, don’t worry! I’m not going to tell you how to vote in this fall’s elections. That’s not my job as a pastor. My job is to teach biblical principles. Your job is to apply them as best as you know how in real-world situations.  Listen to what Paul writes about government in Romans 13.1-5:  … Continue reading Submission to Government (Romans 13.1-5)