Fortunate Son was a protest song!  A song against what people felt the government was doing that they didn’t agree with.  And here in America we have the right to protest, it’s in our constitution – the first amendment guarantees assembly, petition, and fee speech. 

Some folks are born silver spoon in hand
Lord, don't they help themselves, Lord?
But when the taxman come to the door
Lord, the house lookin' like a rummage sale, yeah

It ain't me, it ain't me
I ain't no millionaire's son, no, no
It ain't me, it ain't me
I ain't no fortunate one, no

Yeah-yeah, some folks inherit star-spangled eyes
Hoo, they send you down to war, Lord
And when you ask 'em, "How much should we give?"
Hoo, they only answer, "More, more, more, more"

Yesterday was Tax Day in America, there is a war no one wants, there are leaders that people are questioning.

It looks like déjà vu of the 1960s.  This song references the taxman, and war and feels like it could apply to today.  What do we do? 

The Bible tells us: 

Romans 13:1-7 (THE MESSAGE) Be a good citizen. All governments are under God. Insofar as there is peace and order, it’s God’s order. So live responsibly as a citizen. If you’re irresponsible to the state, then you’re irresponsible with God, and God will hold you responsible. Duly constituted authorities are only a threat if you’re trying to get by with something. Decent citizens should have nothing to fear.

 Do you want to be on good terms with the government? Be a responsible citizen and you’ll get on just fine, the government working to your advantage. But if you’re breaking the rules right and left, watch out. The police aren’t there just to be admired in their uniforms. God also has an interest in keeping order, and he uses them to do it. That’s why you must live responsibly—not just to avoid punishment but also because it’s the right way to live.

That’s also why you pay taxes—so that an orderly way of life can be maintained. Fulfill your obligations as a citizen. Pay your taxes, pay your bills, respect your leaders.

It tells us to pay our taxes, follow the laws, be a good citizen.  This would be an amazing peaceful place to live, no crime, no fear, and the government provides what is necessary. 

But that isn’t life right now, there isn’t peace, there is crime everywhere.  What do we do?

Paul didn’t tell us to live with integrity for our leaders because we agree with their personal character or their public policies, but we are to do it because God instituted the government to restrain lawlessness.

Here in America we have the right to vote and can change who are leaders are, we can guide the direction of our leadership.  I pray that we look to God for guidance, but in the meantime, follow the law and pay your taxes and the ending of this set of verses states this. 

Romans 13:8: Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law

We are to love everyone!!!

God’s plan really is the best!