Saturday, February 17, 2018

The Highest Authority

Photo by Scgibler 2017


As we celebrate President’s Day, it is fitting for Christians to consider what the Bible says about those in authority over us. No matter how our personal feelings or our political leanings affect our thoughts about those in office, Scripture tells us to pray for those who rule over us (1 Timothy 2:2).

This is appropriate, for there is no power that be whom God has not appointed to accomplish His specific purposes (Romans 13:1). We may not understand His choices, for His thoughts are higher than our thoughts, and His ways higher than our ways (Isaiah 55:8-9). Yet we are not to resist the powers over us, for they are of God, and rebellion would be against God Himself, leading to not only earthly consequences but to His judgment on us (Romans 13:2).

When David fled for his life from King Saul, who in a jealous rage wanted him dead for being more popular with the people as a warrior leader than Saul was, David finally had the opportunity to take the life of Saul as he slept. But he could not even lay a hand on him, for he realized that Saul at that time was the Lord’s anointed, and that his own hour to rule awaited God’s perfect timing (1 Samuel 24:4-13).

The apostle Paul established an authority structure revealed to him by Christ Himself. All of us, whether male or female, Jews or Gentiles, slaves or free men, are equal in God’s sight and one in Christ Jesus (Galatians 3:28). God extends to whosoever shall call upon the Name of Jesus Christ the freely given gift of salvation (Acts 2:21, Romans 10:13).

Regardless of our past, social status, nationality, or family history, all can be saved by trusting in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:1-4) as the only Way to Heaven (John 14:6). Yet we are all subject to the curse of sin (Romans 3:23), so God has ordained a power structure on earth to prevent chaos in our society and relationships. If we are to love others as God loves us (John 13:34-35), we must put their needs above our own, even if we are in a position of relative authority (Mark 9:35).

In marriage, wives are to submit to their husbands, and yet husbands are to love their wives self-sacrificingly, as Christ loved the church and gave Himself for it (Ephesians 5:21-33). Children are to submit to their parents, and yet parents should not provoke them to anger (Ephesians 6:1-4) and should give them good gifts (Matthew 7:11).

Employees are to submit to their employers, working as if working for God directly and not for an imperfect human, who like all humans can make mistakes. Yet the employer is to consider the needs of those under his authority, for God has placed him in a position of responsibility to be a good steward (Ephesians 6:5-9).

Even within the church there is an authority structure. Christ Himself is the Head of the church (Colossians 1:18), or the Chief Shepherd (1 Peter 5:1-4), and under Him is the pastor or bishop (Titus 1:7-9), who is the undershepherd. The elders or deacons report to the pastor, as do the teachers, worship and music directors, and other church leaders, and the congregation submits to all of their leadership. Yet the pastor, elders and leaders must also consider the needs of the flock over their own preferences (1 Timothy 3:1-13).

To whom much is given, much is required (Luke 12:48), particularly in government where those elected or appointed to power should serve the good of their people ahead of their own ambition. The kings of Israel are an excellent example of how good rulers do this, whereas bad rulers fail to do so. The greatest rulers do not lord their power over their subjects, but serve and minister to them, following Christ’s example (Matthew 20:25-28). As He walked the earth, Jesus Himself submitted to the authority of God the Father (Matthew 21:23-27).

Sometimes God may allow bad rulers into power as a form of judgment, allowing nations to get the tyrants they deserve. When the righteous rule, their subjects rejoice, but when the wicked rule, their subjects mourn (Proverbs 29:2).

Yet regardless of the relative attributes or shortcomings of their earthly rulers, Christians should follow the law of the land, including paying taxes (Romans 13:7). Jesus Christ Himself instructed Peter to pay taxes on behalf of Himself and the apostles (Matthew 17:24-27; 22:17-22). He Himself said that He did not come to destroy the law, but to fulfill it (Matthew 5:17).

Thankfully, the laws of the United States, and those of many other nations, are based on Biblical law, or the Ten Commandments and other laws given by God to Moses to govern God’s people (Exodus 20:1-17). Christians should therefore submit to their earthly rulers and the laws they establish, while realizing that we ultimately serve the highest authority, and it is to Him that we pledge our highest allegiance (Matthew 6:33; Colossians 1:18).

For the most part, if we do good as God defines it, we will be keeping the law of the land, which is established to prevent and punish evil (Romans 13:3-5).  If and when we cannot keep the laws of the land and of God at the same time, God’s law must be our guiding principle (Acts 5:29).

To avoid this conflict, Christians should be diligent not only to pray for salvation, wisdom and guidance for those in authority, but also to humble ourselves and pray for our nation. If we who are God’s people humble ourselves and confess our sins, individually and as a nation, He will hear us and heal our land (2 Chronicles 7:14).

As we celebrate President’s Day, may we remember to pray for those in authority over us, for healing and forgiveness in our land, and for Holy Spirit guidance to first honor and obey our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! 


© 2018 Laurie Collett

 







7 comments:

Frank E. Blasi said...

Dear Laurie,
Over the years I have given thoughts for evil leaders such as Hitler, Stalin, Lenin, Saddam Hussein, General Gaddafi, Idi Amin and many others, and asked myself whether these leaders were established by God. As you say, according to Romans 13, the answer must be "Yes", because according to the apostle, authority without God's establishing of it just don't exist. And according to what we see and hear, even if these men were evil themselves, they have maintained the law of the land to keep evil among its citizens in check.
But there is more. To know that there is human authority above us has given me a greater sense of civil security. The duty of those in authority, apart from maintaining the law of the land, is to ensure the best for the citizen's welfare.
An excellent post, God bless.

Laurie Collett said...

Dear Frank,
So true that it is difficult to imagine how rulers such as those you mentioned could be ordained by God, yet clearly they are, or another's authority (such as that of Satan) would be greater than that of God, which we know is impossible. He works all things together according to His purposes, just as He allowed Caesar Augustus to establish an onerous tax, which resulted in fulfillment of the prophecy that Jesus would be born in Bethlehem.
Praise God for those in authority over us who keep us safe from evil and chaos, at least to a greater extent than would occur without their intervention.
Thanks as always for sharing your insights, and God bless,
Laurie

Aritha said...

Wise blog! Thanks you for sharing your thoughts.

Laurie Collett said...

You're very welcome, Aritha, and thank you for your comment!
Love in Christ,
Laurie

Donald Fishgrab said...

Great posrt, Laurie.

So many times we begin to complain about the leaders rather than rejoicing in what we have and praying for god to lead them. As you pointed out, their authority ultimately comes from God, even if they choose to abuse it.

Laurie Collett said...

Amen, Donald! Our leaders are only human and may therefore fail in putting the people first, yet God has appointed them for His reasons. Thanks for your comment and God bless,
Laurie

Susan said...

One day we will be required by the laws and powers of this world to get chipped or die, and the Bible warns us that it will be better to die, because the life Jesus promised us isn’t worth giving up for a few extra days here...thanks for the great post Laurie đŸ™‚