(Rom. 13:1)
If Jesus asked you to clean the church bathrooms, how clean would they be? If He asked you to help in the nursery, how well would you handle the children?
When you volunteer and are asked to do something, it is important to remember that it is as if Jesus Himself asked you, because whatever you are doing is for Him. According to our text, obedience to higher authority—from world governments to church governments—is ordained by God.
In order to properly submit to authority, you must have a clear understanding that the authority rests in the office, not in the man who holds the office. For instance, a former president cannot just drive up to the White House and walk into the Oval Office. He must go through the proper security protocol like every other citizen because he is no longer in authority.
When God told Moses to speak to the rock in Numbers 20:8–29, both he and Aaron rebelled. Moses angrily struck the rock instead of speaking to it, and Aaron stood with him in this rebellion. As a result, God instructed Moses to take the high priest’s robe off Aaron and place it on Eleazar. When that happened, Aaron died. This shows the seriousness of misrepresenting God before people. The authority on the high priest’s office remained, but it was given to Eleazar.
The only time we are released from submitting to authority is if that authority violates the Word of God. Then we are not required to submit, because we have a higher authority. But, that is not usually the case. Rebellion usually starts when a person has a problem with the requirements of joining the church, for example.
Then this attitude carries over to the established guidelines in other areas.
Another more subtle—but just as real—type of authority is when the leadership says, “That is the way we do it around here.” It does not matter whether you agree with the way things are done or not, you must submit if you know God wants you to be a part of that church or ministry.
To put it bluntly, if you get mad and speak against the leaders, then it is a form of rebellion. In reality, you are coming against God since He is the One who puts leaders into their positions. If you have a problem with something, make the effort to talk with the leadership in an attitude of love and let them explain why they do things the way they do. This understanding may make it easier for you to go with the flow. But even if you don’t understand, in the end, the armorbearer must submit to the policies and methods that the leadership puts into place.
Follow the God-ordained chain of command. Then all things will be done decently and in order, and you will be a tremendous asset to your leader.
- What is your attitude toward submitting to authority? If you have problems with it, talk to God and get to the root of the reason why. If you’ve been taken advantage of or hurt by an authority figure, let God minister healing to you. There is a godly pattern for submission and authority, and God wants to help you experience it, so you can reach your full potential.
- A word of instruction from the Bible: “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; for kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty” (1 Tim. 2:1,2).
Dear God, I realize that all power and authority come from You, and because of that, I choose to submit to the authority figures over me. I will be faithful to pray for them so that we may lead quiet and peaceable lives. Help me to honor them and to walk in love toward them. Amen.
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers
Terry has served as senior associate minister of a thriving congregation for over 23 years with over 40 years of experience in local church ministry. He is currently the senior pastor of Impact Church in Sherwood, Arkansas. Terry has authored four books. On the bestselling list, these books have motivated thousands of Christians to stand with their leaders in faithful service, helping them to fulfill God's purpose for their lives.
Terry is the Founder and President of Focus on the Harvest, Inc. He's traveled extensively, awakening believers to this strategic generation. Through his God-given passion, believers are ignited to discover their gifts and callings, commit to the vision of their local church, and focus on the harvest of souls throughout their city, state, nation, and world.
Terry holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Southwestern University, where he met his wife, Kim. They've been married for over 40 years and have three children; McCall, Alex, and McKenna.
In May 2008, Terry and Kim began Impact Church, a dynamic and growing, multicultural body of believers in Sherwood, AR. We believe that Christianity is not a religion; it's a relationship. God loves each person individually. He desires everyone to know him personally.