As I watched the looting, rioting, burning down of buildings and setting of cars on fire, I was so saddened. They did not get the verdict—or recently the president—they wanted, so they decided to destroy innocent people’s places of business, putting people out of work. Some were quoted as saying it looked like a war zone.

So where did all this anger and destruction come from? They will say it was from a verdict they did not like or the selection of the current president. But the real reason behind all this destruction comes from Satan. Satan is the author of destruction and when a mind is controlled by him, there is no sound reasoning. They are his tool for destruction.

Satan is the supreme rebel who encourages rioting. He was the first rioter! Think about that. He encouraged the fallen angels to rise up and fight with him against God. Pride was Satan’s downfall! He looked and beheld his own beauty. He felt he could do a better job than God. So he inspired one-third of the angels to rebel and join him in the fight against God. Satan did not respect God and His authority, so therefore he encouraged rebellion! (Isaiah 14:12-15 Isaiah 14:12-15 [12] How are you fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how are you cut down to the ground, which did weaken the nations! [13] For you have said in your heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also on the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: [14] I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. [15] Yet you shall be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.
American King James Version×; Revelation 12:4 Revelation 12:4And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born.
American King James Version×).

What a blessing for mankind that Satan failed in his attempts to take over God’s throne. So now Satan works hard to deceive and influence mankind to join him in rebellion against God by stirring up disrespect and division.

The opposite of rebellion is respect and honor. First, you must respect God, who is in charge of the universe. And then you must treat others right by showing them respect and honor. That means no matter how much you disagree with those in charge, you will do no harm to them or their possessions.

Did you know that God requires us to show respect to those in authority? Paul states: “Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished. For the authorities do not strike fear in people who are doing right, but in those who are doing wrong. Would you like to live without fear of the authorities? Do what is right, and they will honor you. The authorities are God’s servants, sent for your good. But if you are doing wrong, of course you should be afraid, for they have the power to punish you. They are God’s servants, sent for the very purpose of punishing those who do what is wrong. So you must submit to them, not only to avoid punishment, but also to keep a clear conscience” (Romans 13:1-5 Romans 13:1-5 [1] Let every soul be subject to the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. [2] Whoever therefore resists the power, resists the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. [3] For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Will you then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and you shall have praise of the same: [4] For he is the minister of God to you for good. But if you do that which is evil, be afraid; for he bears not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath on him that does evil. [5] Why you must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.
American King James Version×, New Living Translation).

We should all be showing respect for all those in authority! That would include school teachers, leaders, employers, presidents and yes, policeman. That can be hard at times when we see corruption and unfairness, but here is the key. We can pour our hearts out to God for those you feel are abusing their authority. And, of course, you should never stay in an abusive situation.

Notice that if we show respect we can lead a quiet and peaceable life! Paul wrote to Timothy, "I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; for kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior" (1 Timothy 2:1-3 1 Timothy 2:1-3 [1] I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; [2] For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. [3] For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior;
American King James Version×). 

Wow! We can only have peace knowing that God is in charge of the leaders He is allowing to rule, and in His time, He will take care of it!

Isaiah 40:28 Isaiah 40:28Have you not known? have you not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, faints not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding.
American King James Version×says, “Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.”

 So show respect to those in authority and pray for them so you will be blessed.