AUTHORITY

God is the single, constantly loving authority. The definition of authority is power to influence thought or behavior. Thank God He influences my thoughts with a renewing of my mind. Otherwise I could not, without Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit, think about loving others.

Thank God He influences my behavior. Otherwise I would constantly sin and rebel. The definition of rebel is opposing authority. My sin is opposing God directly. My attitude or habit of thinking is where my sin begins.

From as far back as I can remember I resisted authority. I believed in myself that I knew best how to run my life.

While I run my life my self-centered desires are a priority and provide the least resistance to what I want. Having knowledge about God, I rationalize that independently setting my own course against authority is a form of helping others for their benefit even more so when I encourage others to “stick it to the man”.

I find in the Book of Romans I am doubly wrong. I must present my body as a living sacrifice “which is my spiritual worship.” Romans 12:1. Running my life even to any very small extent is contrary to giving up myself completely to the Lord God. My inability to let go of my sinful nature and this world proves my lack of trust in God. I am not wholly recognizing His lordship. I am distracted in my worship of Him.

I also must respect the authority God puts on this earth because He asks for obedience of “governing authorities.” Romans 13:1. The author of life created me in His own image so I am thankful. For my own interests, and the benefit of His kingdom, He appointed an orderly system in which I trust in Him no matter my opinion. My opinions change but God is constant. I chose to rely upon Him.