Under Authority

2-12-2010
Every great leader was at some point in time a great follower. Here’s a great devotional written by Boyd Bailey!

Under Authority… “For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, 'Go,' and he goes; and that one, 'Come,' and he comes. I say to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it." Matthew 8:9

We are all under authority—the authority of God, government, school, a corporation, a Board of directors or a parent. There is no need to escape the fact that we answer to an individual or an institution for our actions. The mature of faith embrace their position of being under authority and recognize it as the Lord’s protection and provision.

Jesus modeled this principle of being under authority, as He submitted to the will of His Heavenly Father. In prayer and practice He made it a point to minister on earth as directed by His Father in heaven. “But the world must learn that I love the Father and that I do exactly what my Father has commanded me. "Come now; let us leave” (John 14:31).

It is when we stray from the influence and accountability of authority that we are exposed to attacks from the enemy. For example, a child can choose to dishonor his/her parents by not obeying their instructions, but there will be consequences from their choices. The wise dad or mom may choose to show tough love by withholding money to make their point.

So how do you respond at work when your authority is unreasonable in their demands? Once you reason with them and they still require an unreasonable expectation, how do you respond? First, recognize that your ultimate authority is to the Lord. You work for Him. Do your best, work hard, be resourceful, engage your team and trust God with the results. You may lose your job, but keep a respectful attitude in the process. Stay under authority, even when you disagree with their actions. God works through the authorities in your life.

“And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ. But he who does wrong will be repaid for what he has done, and there is no partiality” (Colossians 3:23-25, NKJV).

Do you struggle with rules, especially rules that are unreasonable? You are not alone. However, the Lord can still get the right results through wrong rules. It is a trust issue. Trust Him to change you, change the rule or change the person’s heart that is in charge. Leaders under authority are able to lead followers under authority. Thus, you have authority when you are under authority. So trust God and patiently submit to authority.

“Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me” (Matthew 28:18).

Is my life under the authority of Jesus? Do I trust Him with the authorities over me?

Related Readings: Mark 1:22; Romans 13:1-3; 1 Timothy 2:1-3; Hebrews 13:17