We as humans have a problem with authority. We either want to be the authority or be anything but the authority, anything other than be under it. We try to find ways to get away from it, change it, conform it; anything rather than submit to it. Some of us have a better relationship with authority than others. Those who have experienced abuse tend to have the hardest time submitting, even to Godly authority, having been hurt by those who would have been protecting them. Our society would have us believe that all of us should be equal and that no authority is a good thing. Like it or not, God says differently and all authority stops and starts with Him.
We cannot question God; not His motives, not his thoughts, not his actions. He is the ultimate authority. We don't get to vote, discuss or change that. You can reject Him and His authority, but if you do that, you agree to the consequences of such a choice.
After that, all further authority comes from God and those in positions of authority answer to Him, whether it is a boss, a husband, a parent or any other authority.
We want our children to have a healthy respect of authority, especially God's. It is fine to examine what the person in authority is asking you to do, because if they are following God's word, then there will be a Biblical support for it. No Biblical authority should ever ask you to disobey God. But make sure that if you stand up against authority, you are standing on the Word to do so.
So much of our world, even in the church is consumed with the desire for equality and being treated with equanimity, that we have missed something important: just because we had different jobs doesn't make us "unequal". It makes us different, with different responsibilities. It's okay for someone to take the lead. It's okay for someone to be in charge. It doesn't mean they are better, more qualified, favored or anything like that. It just means God has placed them in authority.
And it's okay to submit to Godly authority. It doesn't make you weak, worthless or less important to God. It make you obedient to Him. Submit as unto the Lord is how Ephesians 5:22 says it.
I pray you will consider these things as we drive into chapter 3 on Thursday!
Blessings!
