Many times we set certain guidelines in our life and expect each of them to be followed. We love making rules but the sad truth is-- we are foremost likely to violate especially if it doesn’t make sense to us.
Nonetheless, looking back to mere Christian values. If we are so eager for others to obey on something that we strongly believed in, then how come it’s so difficult for us to conform on something or someone that is highly accountable to God?
So as to those people, who love to babble about on how annoying the authorities are, let us once again reminisce on what God has to say about honor and obedience.
FOUR SPHERES OF AUTHORITY:
1. Family
Moreover, as a child, have you honored and obeyed your parents (Ephesians 6:1-3); as a wife, are you submitting to your husband (Ephesians 5:33); and as a husband, have you been truly understanding to your wife (1 Peter 3:7)?
If you and your family are in a strained relationship right now, the problem is not your mom or dad, husband or wife or your sister or brother. The problem is your “heart”. If we let arrogance took over meekness, we are actually feeding our ego which eventually results to “pride”. This prevents us true fellowship from God and a loving relationship with our family.
2. Local Church
If we fail to honor and obey those people dear to us, then we are also likely to dishonor and disobey others as well. Virtue and submission like love is a cycle. Love is universal and so does obedience because it doesn’t just make others see a kindred-spirit but it perfectly displays a heart made right with God.
In addition, people of God who work together for good must not be barred by lack of respect but so much more of importance. For it is written in 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13, “Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other.”
3. Workplace/School
Are you that type of student or employee who only does the job right if the boss/teacher is around or perhaps the typical kind of a so-called “Christian-mongers” who makes church activities as an excuse to leave work undone? If you’re one of the two choices or both, then my brother/sister in Christ, it’s probably time to repent to such demeaning attitude.
Nobody wants a hypocrite (Romans 2:17-24). You can’t just go around telling people you’re a Christian but your actions shows otherwise. There’s a special reason you’re in a particular job/school. You can’t just display a crude character because your boss/teacher is somewhat frustrating or skip school assignments/office work because you will miss a certain church related activity (1Timothy 6:1-2). Remember that we are serving God everywhere. In our home, work, school or even at the mall (it’s not limited only to church).
4. Government
It is very clear that we are to submit to God’s appointed people and authorities. And if anyone is in defiant with that is rebelling against Him.
Be a Blessing!
God established prevailing authorities in our life to be our guide, protection and blessing. In return, we are to honor and obey those people accountable to Him. If we are truly Jesus Christ’s followers, we must never treat Him as “homeboy”. He deserves reverence and uprightness. We are all accountable to God. Thereby, we are to trust and obey Him even if we fail.
For it is only by God’s will that by doing good we will put a stop to the talk of foolish men. We must live like free people. Not someone who covers up evil but a person who lives to serve God, respects everyone, loves the community of believers, fears God and honors the King (1 Peter 2:15-17).
All rights reserved © Shiya Tamasao 2016
June 6, 2016
