Embracing Authority

None of us really like to be told what to do.  I know I don’t.  Even as a young teenager, I would get so frustrated when my parents would remind me of my regular chores.  Its like they didn’t trust me or something……..oh wait, maybe they were on to something.

As much as we hate authority, it plays a vital role in our lives. People who have authority over us help us to learn, grow and be successful.  Ask anyone who supervises others and a good understanding and embracing of authority is a welcome trait to any organization.

I have been doing some study on the authority of Scripture and I have been reminded that the Word of God is such a welcome authority in my life.

1 Timothy 3:16-17 reminds us that “all Scripture is God-breathed.”  The breathed out Word of God comes directly from him.  Certainly he used his servants to pen the words on paper, however the Words spoken are directly from him.

Think about it.  If your older sibling came to you and said, “You need to take out the garbage,” you would less likely see that as an authoritative direction then if he said, “Mom called and she said you need to take out the garbage.”  Your respect for parental authority would motivate you to do the required task.  What your mom is trying to do is teach you teamwork, responsibility and helpfulness.  You get the point.  If God has breathed the words of the Bible, then they come with a certain weight and authority.

So when we read verses on forgiveness, prayer, evangelism, living holy etc… they are not just suggestions from a biblical writer that may or may not be good for us. The words and imperatives are from God himself.  Embracing the Authority of Scripture can be a make or break proposition.

If we reject the Bible as an authoritative necessity in our lives we will constantly live outside of God’s will for our lives.  Rejecting the authority is basically acknowledging that we know better than God.  We hold on to unforgivenss, never get around to evangelism and live our lives outside of God’s desired holiness.  Often times we wonder why our lives aren’t going the way we want. I would argue we have forgotten that God gave us his Word. He breathed his Word to tell us about him, and how we should live.

Alternatively, embracing God’s Word as authoritative can result in blessing.  God blesses obedience.  He always has and always will.  May you and I embrace what God has told us to do by embracing His Word and getting to know the Bible.  Get involved in a Bible Study, read it regularly and most importantly do what it says!

See you in church.