5:6 – Recognize Authority

#faithbites #faithjourney recognize

Intro

Yesterday we talked about following God’s laws and following God. Today, we are going a bit deeper to talk about authority. Just as we don’t like laws telling us what to do, we often have a hard time submitting to authority. Maybe you speed because you don’t follow the speed limits, maybe you refuse to wear a mask even though there are executive orders in place, or maybe you just buck authority and say no whenever you can. We all fail to recognize Earthly authority from time to time. But, if we believe God’s word is true, then we should respect and abide by those in authority positions. We can fight for change but can do that in a respectful, law abiding manner. If not we are just as bad as those leaders who don’t follow God.

Questions

• Do you recognize the authority of your leaders where you work, live, and play?
• If not, why not?
• Do you recognize God’s word as an authority over us?

Scripture

• Romans 13:1 – Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.
• 1 Peter 2:3 – Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme,
• Titus 3:1-2 – Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, ² to slander no one,  to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.

Reflection

Reading those verses may make you made or upset. You may not want to listen to authority especially if you don’t agree with that person or their agenda. When we look at it again, ask yourself why God wants us to recognize authority. The reason us he wants us to live in peace and harmony. If we aren’t following the rules and recognizing authority, we can be ostracized and restricted in our actions. When that happens, we can’t share God’s word or live out his plan.

Sure, we don’t have to love being told what to do. But, as God tells us, we need follow and respect authority. We can always work to change our leaders and laws while respecting it.

As we close, remember that God is our authority and his Word tells us how to live in a society with authorities. It is losos le to respect, recognize, obey, And work for change.

Prayer

Father God, sometimes your commands are easy to follow, other times they are challenging. This is one of those challenging times. Lord, we want to follow the rules and rulers that we agree with. We want to cast aside those we don’t. Tonight we pray for you to hell us obey and recognize the authority of those who we disagree with. We also pray for you to help us change the situation to one that better serves you and your plan. In your name, Amen.