SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1031

“Respect Authority”

Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment… Pay…respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed. (Romans 13:1-7)

In my annual journey through God’s Word, I continue to marvel at the great restraint and respect for authority demonstrated by David concerning King Saul. But David said…who can put out his hand against the Lord‘s anointed and be guiltless? …The Lord forbid that I should put out my hand against the Lord‘s anointed. (1 Samuel 26:9-11) There is a difference between being anointed by God and appointed by God. Not all who are appointed are anointed. Both, however are worthy of respect as outlined in the Word of God.

Have you noticed the juggernaut of disrespect that is loosed in our society? We see it firsthand every day in our schools, places of work, the marketplace, halls of government, and yes even our churches. But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents… lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. (2 Timothy 3:1-6)

The biblical value of respect and honor is first birthed and taught in the DNA of our society – our family unit. The pervasiveness of disrespect we see today is the result of decades of deterioration of the family unit. Divorces, infidelity, the selfish pursuit of materialism and careers have usurped the primary obligation of parents to be parents to their children and to raise them up in the fear and admonition of the Lord. …bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. (Ephesians 6:4)

The bitter fruit we are reaping from the deterioration of family is evident with the verbal and physical attacks on parents, pastors, teachers, and police and government officials. The elderly among us are largely neglected by their children and have become prey to a growing criminal segment of our society. The solution is to repent of our dishonor and disrespect and by the power of the Holy Spirit to begin to demonstrate the fruit of the Spirit in our life: words and actions. Set the example for our children and youth of the biblical values of honor and respect and love. Values are caught by others, for how we act speaks louder than what we say or teach. Walk the talk of respect and honor for parents and all authority.

“Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.”; Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors…; (Ephesians 6:2-3; 1 Peter 2:13-14)

A culture of respect will not take hold overnight. It will take years, even decades to turn around. But we have to start somewhere. Let change begin today with me and you.