September 4, 2019 – Click here to listen
The Bible is clear that we are to respect those in authority over us. To me this is one of the most difficult commands to follow. I admit I do not respect people like former President Obama, Nancy Pelosi, and don’t see how I could respect VP Biden if he is elected. Many cannot respect President Trump, much less honor him. Not much has changed since this was written and during New Testament times Christians were taught to respect the Roman occupiers that brutalized them.
The concept of respecting those in authority over us was established not only for politicians, but employees and even slaves. Most have experienced trying to work for a boss who is either lazy, disorganized, inexperienced, or unqualified for their job as a manager. Others work for a boss who uses tactics or methods that are either unethical, immoral, ineffective, or contrary to company policy. Their “people skills” are usually sadly lacking, and they are not willing to accept suggestions or help from anyone else.
Egad! And God is telling us that we are to “respect” and “honor” them? What is the reason for this?
Romans 13 gives us clear teaching on authority. Verses 1 and 2 tell us:
Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.
God has established authority as the order for the universe. He is a God of order. And if it were not for the principle of authority, we would have nothing but chaos and anarchy. Authority is essential and whenever we see it breaking down we suffer even more. One of the chief ways we honor God is in the way we respond to those He has put in authority over us. Whether we agree or disagree with our authorities, showing honor and respect is presented in the Bible as a non-negotiable. In showing honor and respect, we also honor and respect God, who, in His own wisdom and for His own purposes, ordains who will lead and who will follow.
Examples of biblical heroes who successfully followed this strategy abound in the Bible. In spite of being put in prison for crimes he didn’t commit, Joseph treated Pharaoh and the Egyptian guards with honor. Daniel and his three friends spoke respectfully to Babylon’s evil King Nebuchadnezzar. David blessed and prayed for King Saul, even though Saul wanted to kill him. After all he did to him David still wouldn’t even speak negatively about Saul.
Why? Because God, for reasons only God knows, wanted Saul to be king for a time. Out of respect for God, David gave respect to Saul. So, as we mull over morally corrupt depraved political buffoons, tyrant bosses and others who are authorities with whom we disagree we should think of David’s obedience in this arena.
Admittedly I have been rebellious throughout my life. I can relate to the song: I fought the law and the law won, and still have a scar on my forehead from a policeman’s Billy club to remind me of the idiocy of rebellion. I assume the only way I can obey such a difficult command is to get prayed up and focus on Jesus. My honor going to Him and His command is in reality not honoring the slobs. Ugh . . . This is a tough one for me, but knowing I’m doing it for the sake of the Lord is helpful . . .
1 Peter 2:13
Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme,