Independence Day...

Just a thought for the day as we Americans celebrate our independence...

Didn't declaring Independence violate Romans 13: 1-7?

1Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3For 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 he will commend you. 4For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. 5Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. 6This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing. 7Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.

Let me be clear. I'm grateful for being born in America and being given the freedoms that I have to do what I wish in most cases. But if we're looking Biblically, declaring independence from Great Britain would have violated this passage of Scripture. I've never heard a justification Biblically for the American Revolution, but I can only assume that it came from the idea of freedom being given to all people and tyranny breaks God's law that all men are created equal.

At any rate, enjoy the holiday. :-)