Authority
By Laurel Head
Have you ever thought about why we have to do what our parents, teachers, or other people in authority say? Have you ever thought that you could get away with disobeying your parents, lying to your teacher, lying about your taxes, or making up an excuse about why you can’t come to work? I am going to discuss why, how, and when we obey any authority that is set over us.
Why do we need to obey our authorities? Romans 13:1-7 states, “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 resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? Do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. For this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.” This passages states that God sets in power those who are in power. It also states that they are God’s instrument of justice to the wicked. Therefore, we should be glad that God set them over us to keep order and balance in our country. Concerning paying taxes, it also states that they are God’s ministers. That means that they do things with the authority of God. Jesus once said, “Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s (Matthew 22:21).” We need to fairly pay our taxes because God said to.
How do we obey our authorities? We should obey our authorities like we would obey God. Colossians 3:22-24 states, “Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God; And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.” Now, if our authorities command us to do something that goes against what the Bible says we should do, God is above our authorities and His Word trumps their word. Acts 5 shows us that when Peter and the rest of the apostles were beaten and commanded not to preach the Word, their response is as follows: “Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men (Acts 5:29).”
When do we need to obey our authorities? Since they are the ministers of God against evil, they should be treated as such. Since we have established that we should obey them like we would obey God, we need to obey them as much as we can unless they order something evil. In the case that they order or tell us to do something goes against the Word of God, we need to follow God. But, we don’t need to bad talk the authority because they should still be treated with respect.