There’s a fight in America about who’s going to be “king of the hill:” democrats, republicans, progressives, socialists… Many are stridently declaring they’re right and everyone else is stupid or misled. Others have decided that all authority has to go–they’re going to be the law unto themselves. Others have taken advantage of chaos to kill, steal, and destroy. The question we all need to ask ourselves is: What part am I playing and how am I playing it?

I found three categories of information to chart.

Government/Authority	Our Responsibility	Timeline
There can be no authority in the universe except by God’s appointment, which means that every authority that exists has been instituted by God. (1, TPT)	Every person must submit to and support the authorities over him. (1, TPT) Live responsibly as a citizen (1-2)	To live like this is all the more urgent, for time is running out and you know it is a strategic hour in human history. It is time for us to wake up! For our full salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. (11, TPT)
The government is working to the advantage of responsible citizens. (3)	Live in such a way that you have a clear conscience (5)	Don’t forcus so hard on the day to day things that you forget about what is most important. (13)
Pay those who work for you (6-7)	Be a good citizen. Pay your taxes, pay your bills, giving respect and honor. (4, 7)	Make your everyday habit the presence of the Lord. (14)
Law code: don’t sleep with another’s spouse; don’t take someone’s life; don;t take what isn’t yours; don’t always want what you don’t have, and all the other don’ts y ou can think of. (8-9)	Don’t run up monetary debts. The only debt you owe is a continual flow of love to those around you. (8-10)
Love fulfills all that the law requires. (10)	Leave the old man behind, like taking off filthy clothes. Clothe yourself in His light (12-13)

As I think about all of today’s issues and wonder how I should respond, love must lead my way. As I think about being a good citizen of this nation under God, love must lead my way. As I engage in debates about racism, laws, statues, immigration, and more–all things citizens and authorites in the country are dealing with: love must lead my way. The habit that I need to wear daily is the presence of Christ. I can’t do it–as Romans 12 made so very clear. But with a focus on the presence of Christ, with my ear tuned to the Holy Spirit’s prompts, His light can shine through me. Even when I disagree with others as they wrestle with the same issues.