It's a choice

Submitting to any authority is a choice. Not submitting is a choice as well. However, the consequences of not submitting can be rough. Some of our authorities are chosen and some are not. Does that mean I only have to submit to those I chose? No, if an authority has been placed over me then my choice is my attitude: to be a blessing or a curse, both to myself and to the other person or people.

This lesson has really hit home for me in the past two days. Last night we read a letter from our lead pastor about the financial status of our church. He felt compelled to respond to questions and gossip that have been shared since the staff and elders had to make some really tough financial decisions. Clearly the decisions had been well thought out and every attempt had been made to avoid letting anyone go. However, that wasn't good enough for a number of people. Hence the latest email.

Why in the world do my pastors have to use their time explaining every decision they make? Why aren't people trusting them to make good judgments and allowing them the time to counsel, teach, preach, minister, etc? Because they don't want to submit and trust that anyone else could make a good decision without their input. Argh...

I had two other conversations this morning with people caring for loved ones who don't want to follow the advice their doctors are providing. Isn't a doctor an authority with more knowledge? Even a chosen authority? They didn't come to you to force their authority on you. You went to them! In both these situtations the consequence of not doing what you've been advised to do could mean a casket. Argh...

Romans 13:1 Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. (NIV)

Hebrews 13:17 Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you. (NIV)

Lord, sometimes I don't know why I have certain encounters. Then later you pull it all together for me and remind me what your word says. Help me to avoid undermining those with authority over me and to encourage others in the same way. Help to live according to your word, with my heart submitted to you in love. Thank you for this amazingly beautiful day. Amen--