[Biblemat] A>Respecting Those In Authority (Kent Heaton)

[Kent Heaton]

Respecting Those In Authority

(Kent Heaton)

 

A nation that crumbles in the chaos of non-conformity is a people that have rejected all forms of authority. Nature declares the need for authority as laws are established that govern life. Disobeying these laws will cause one to suffer consequences that Jehovah put into place that are unchangeable. Man cannot fly without aid and when he goes against this law he suffers physical harm. As in the immutable laws of nature, authority is established in government by God and to resist this authority will bring serious consequences.

Paul writes, "Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. Therefore whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves" (Romans 13:1-2). In our world of freedom we must remember that while we have opportunities to express our freedom we cannot do so in a fashion that goes against the government. The only time this is allowed is when the law of the land declares law contrary to the law of God (Acts 5:29).

Recent events such as the student TASERed at the University of Florida and hours of COPS illustrate that many people refuse to recognize authority and resist every form of it. The lawless attitudes of those who rebel against law enforcement officers, courts and government remind us of the steep road we as a nation are traveling to sure destruction. Schools no longer maintain levels of authority as students are allowed to curse teachers, refuse to obey staff and destroy the learning environment of days gone by. Respect for authority is no longer recognized by a vast majority of our nation.

The book of Judges concludes with this statement: "In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes" (Judges 21:25). This sounds more like our time when everyone does what they choose to do and what they feel is their "right" to do. When men fail to recognize authority and respect the authority that exists, there are no boundaries or limits. The root of the problem stems from the suppression of God in the lives of men. "The fool has said in his heart, 'There is no God.' They are corrupt, and have committed abominable injustice" (Psalms 53:1). 

Without God men seek to do what is right in their own eyes. Authority is based upon selfish motives of the individual. What is right and wrong is measured by the desires of the moment. Through the prophet Isaiah Jehovah God reminds us of the consequences of those who seek to usurp authority. "Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; who substitute darkness for light and light for darkness; who substitute bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter! Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes and clever in their own sight" (Isaiah 5:20-21). 

There is only one clear truth - the truth of God (John 17:17). Rejecting this truth is rejecting authority. Refusing to obey authority is refusing to obey the Son of God. Jesus said, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth" (Matthew 28:18). Dare we reject this authority?


Kent Heaton
207 NE Fourth Avenue
Trenton, Florida 32693
352-463-6916/3793
www.trentonchurchofchrist.com
www.northfloridabiblecamp.com
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