We live in a world where most do not value authority. Children don’t respect the authority of their parents. Parents get upset when teachers use their authority on their children. Adults don’t want the authority of the government. Employees don’t want the authority of the employer, and on and on it goes. We live in a society where most do not want to be held accountable or have someone else telling them what to do. Our current situation in the United States is a perfect example of what happens when authority is not respected and obeyed. It is now common to riot and destroy others’ property if you don’t like those in authority. The innocent are hurt because people are selfish to their core. When injustice is done there is a proper way to handle the situation, but many would rather express themselves in an unlawful manner. The real reason for the unrest and anarchy is sin. This is not the way God intended for life to be.
God commands us to yield to those who are in authority. We are to obey the law of the land unless it requires us to do something that is a sin. Romans 13:1-5 commands that we obey and show respect. You may not respect the man, but God allowed them to be there. We may not understand how God can use a sinful wicked person, but He is God and can do whatever He wants.
Romans 13:1-2 “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever, therefore, resisted the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.”
Children are instructed to obey their parents and be subject to them. In Ephesians 6:1-2, they are not only to obey but to honor their parents. They are to have the attitude of respect for the authority God placed over them. When children yield to the authority God gave them, everyone in the family is happier. Also, children are to yield to those in authority over them in school. Romans 13:1-2 applies to them when talking about “higher powers.”
The Pastor has authority over those in the church he pastors. He is to watch over us, and he will give an account for us. We need to listen and allow his wisdom to guide us. If you don’t think you have a wise pastor, then it is up to you to find one.
Hebrews 13:17 “Obey them that have the rule over you and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.”
We all have authority in our lives, as well as we should. However, we must realize that the ultimate authority is God’s word. It is His direction for us to live by. For centuries men have wanted to do it their way instead of God’s way. When we react that way, it is no less than rebellion against God. God is the supreme authority, and He is the final arbiter of truth. The Bible is the only record of His words, therefore Scripture is supreme.
When Peter and the other apostles were teaching and preaching in Jerusalem, they were told to stop. Their reply was that God was their supreme authority.
Act 5:28-29 “Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man’s blood upon us. Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.”
Even Jesus was subject to the authority of His Father. He lived for one thing: to fulfill the will of the Father.
John 6:38 “For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.”
How much more should we, the creature, be in subjection to the Creator? Who are we to think we know what is best for us?
