God has given His authority. God’s plan for authority has been given to His people: authority in the church (1 Peter 5:1-2) which says, “shepherd the flock of God which is among you;” authority in the home (Colossians 3:18-25,) “Wives submit to your own husbands, as is fitting in the Lord, as is fitting in the Lord;” authority in your workplace (Ephesians 6:5-9) “Bondservants, be obedient to those who are your masters…; and authority in civil government (Romans 13:1-7) “Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God….”
Authority as planned by God seems awkward and unfitting in today’s societies – not that His plan is inappropriate, certainly this is not true. It is more that people have deviated from God’s plan to what seems more suited to their personal lives for whatever reasons they justify. It is it any wonder we have dysfunctional families, government and nations? God allows us freedom of choice, and He allows us to get what we want, even if it hurts us.
In the home, we see fathers who have neglected their intended roles, often times deserting their families. We see mothers who have taken over paternal roles; out of what they justify as a necessity, and we see children who have no respect for their parents, teachers, or authority of any kind. The establishment of God’s plan for authority in all these functions mentioned; and as God knows is best, has been disregarded. We are now paying the price for our disobedience, and our daily news records the ill-effects of our sin.
Whatever is the answer to turn around all this turmoil we have brought upon ourselves? I don’t see a solution. God does! I suppose all this disrespect for authority and dysfunctionality we are witnessing falls in line with His reasons for bringing on the “end-times.” What can we do? Each of us can, and should return to God’s original intent for recognizing authority, as spelled out in His Word, and follow His perfect instructions. It is, after all, our own responsibility to do as He says. God is our ultimate authority!
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