When We Know Better...

Romans 13-14 Today's New International Version (TNIV) Submission to Governing Authorities 13 Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2 Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For 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 you will be commended. 4 For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. 5 Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience. 6 This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. 7 Give to everyone what you owe: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor. Love Fulfills the Law 8 Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law. 9 The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not covet,”[a] and whatever other command there may be, are summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”[b] 10 Love does no harm to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law. Lord I know that I have made mistakes and I pray for forgiveness. I believe I am right in this matter but I will submit to authority on this matter and go ahead and pay. I won't fight it anymore. I know who I am dealing with andy know their power and authority. I will do what is right. Why do I have thoughts and feelings on times gone by as if they are the moments where my opportunity was presented and now I am lost. It's as if I was shown what I could have but I didn't believe it was possible for me so therefore I am denied, like the Hebrews who saw the promised land but were never able to enter it ecause of their unbelief. I see what could have been. I see times when situations could have changed my fate but I did something different. I am to be punished for my disbelief. I know that now. When opportunity knocks we can't be out back looking for a sign. I ask God for forgiveness. I know you mus be tired of forcing yourself to muster up faith one more time. I don't imagine we will see this in our lifetime, but the knowledge that it once was a possibility makes all the difference in the world.