dealing with those in authority

Have you ever had an authority figure in your life that you had to respect but you really didn’t care for that person? Maybe this was a coach, a teacher, a boss, or maybe a government official.

1 Timothy 2:1 NLT

Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.

Did you know that person was in a position of authority because God designed authority to be part of our world and in God’s sovereign plan, that person was placed in that position?

Not always something else. In fact we would most likely rather complain, rebel or do anything besides honor that person we struggle to respect.

Yesterday we continued our series in Romans and began chapter 13. It is important that as Christians we are good citizens and examples for others to see Jesus.

Romans 13:1,4-5 NLT

Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God… 4 The authorities are God’s servants, sent for your good. But if you are doing wrong, of course you should be afraid, for they have the power to punish you. They are God’s servants, sent for the very purpose of punishing those who do what is wrong. 5 So you must submit to them, not only to avoid punishment, but also to keep a clear conscience.

That is God’s desire for us and His plan for the world. Obey even when you do not like or agree, and let God work through it all.

Is it ever ok to disobey the government rule? Yes. Peter and John in Acts 4 were told not to preach about Jesus. Here is what they said:

Acts 4:18-20 NLT

So they called the apostles back in and commanded them never again to speak or teach in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John replied, “Do you think God wants us to obey you rather than him? 20 We cannot stop telling about everything we have seen and heard.”

That is the real civil disobedience. Really obeying God when the government officials are wrong.

So what is the best way to deal with and respect government and those in authority over you? Thanks for asking.

Four ways to deal with authority based on what God says … submit, obey, pray and serve. Sounds easy. And it is always right.

Romans 12:10 NLT

Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.

Catalyst ticket arrived

My ticket to the Catalyst Conference, in Atlanta Oct 8-10, just arrived. I'm excited!

Have you heard of EDITH BURNS?

Edith Burns was a wonderful Christian who lived in San Antonio, Texas . She was the patient of a doctor by the name of Will Phillips. Dr. Phillips was a gentle doctor who saw patients as people. His favorite patient was Edith Burns. One morning he went to his office with a heavy heart and it was because of Edith Burns. When he walked into that waiting room, there sat Edith with her big black Bible in her lap earnestly talking to a young mother sitting beside her. Edith Burns had a habit of introducing herself in this way: "Hello, my name is Edith Burns. Do you believe in Easter?" Then she would explain the meaning of Easter, and many times people would be saved. Dr. Phillips walked into that office and there he saw the head nurse, Beverly. Beverly had first met Edith when she was taking her blood pressure. Edith began by saying,"My name is Edith Burns. Do you believe in Easter?" Beverly said, "Why yes I do." Edith said, "Well, what do you ...

wash feet, sharing hope

John 13:4-5,14 NLT So he got up from the table, took off his robe, wrapped a towel around his waist, 5 and poured water into a basin. Then he began to wash the disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel he had around him… 14 And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet. Jesus set the example we follow. He served. He valued and gave value to others. That is why we choose to serve. For 18 years our church has shared an outreach called back2school, and for 16 of those years we have chosen to give students brand new shoes and socks as well as washing their feet. It is one of the most important parts of this event. Washing feet is a humbling experience where both the give and the receiver learn how to share some moments that might change their lives. Jesus said we should do this. See the verse above. Follow His example, do what He did, and give far more than you will ever know....

Michael Harrison's e-devotion

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