Romans 13:4

I was thinking about a particular Bible verse this morning. Romans 13:4 4For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. As I was thinking about this verse I was really looking at the word minister. Most people, including myself, think of this word as a preacher or a leader or someone with authority.

I've always liked this verse and still do. I believe that every officer ought to know this verse. This is the verse that says God has given us permission to uphold the laws set by the lawmakers which were also appointed by Him. But, as I kept running through this verse I felt myself getting pumped up with pride. Yeah, I'm a MINISTER of GOD! If you think of it like this then you will get a rude awakening.

I decided to look up the definition of minister. I also looked up the Greek word for minister and learned a valuable lesson.

Websters Dictionary says the a minister is : one officiating or assisting the officiant in church worship b : a clergyman especially of a Protestant communion3 a : the superior of one of several religious orders —called also minister-general b : the assistant to the rector or the bursar of a Jesuit house4 : a high officer of state entrusted with the management of a division of governmental activities5 a : a diplomatic representative (as an ambassador) accredited to the court or seat of government of a foreign state b : a diplomatic representative ranking below an ambassador.

Sounds pretty good doesn't it. I like how 3a starts out the SUPERIOR. Wow, we really hold ministers on a high level in society don't we.

Well here is the Greek word for minister, leitourgeo. Don't ask me how to pronounce it because I'll butcher it. So, what is the Greek definition of this word? Anybody want to take a guess? I'll tell you this, it is certainly different from Webster's definition. Here it is, Servants (leitourgos from léïtos = of the people [NIDNTT says it from "laos" = people] + érgon = work) is literally a worker of the people. In classical Greek leitourgos referred especially to persons performing public duties, or works of public use. So what does this mean?

I think if we use Romans 13:4 and we think of the word Minister as defined in Websters dictionary we are sadly mistaken. The word minister means what a lot of the old time ministers and folks way back when knew what it meant. Ministers are servants of God. Do they have authority? Of course. Authority given to them by God to preach the Gospel but, they are to serve the Lord and their congregation.

When I read that I remembered that is my job as well, to serve the Lord and the people and not to be proud that there is a verse in the Bible the refers to Police Officers as Ministers.

There is a funny thing about pride, it will take you down quicker than anything else. Proverbs 11:2 says this about pride, When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom. Proverbs 16:18 says, Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall. Here is what the Lords says about pride in Jeremiah 49:16, Thy terribleness hath deceived thee, and the pride of thine heart, O thou that dwellest in the clefts of the rock, that holdest the height of the hill: though thou shouldest make thy nest as high as the eagle, I will bring thee down from thence, saith the LORD.

So, if you read Romans 13:4 and see that word minister, remember you are a servant of God! You do have authority but if you use it with a humble spirit God will bless you.