In our Bible study on Monday nights, we are currently reading through the book of Titus and I’ve found some very clear instructions for all believers to be fascinating. Take a look with me at this verse:
Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good,to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.
Titus 3:1
Bear with me here and remember that we are reading the God-breathed Word and His authority is our ultimate judge. As we contemplate the above verses, let’s dig in a bit further and see what we can find in Romans:
Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves.
Romans 13:1-2
Do I admit that the Word of God is directly from God? Does it have full authority over my life? If that’s true, then I need to submit to the fullness of His word. If I have a problem with that, if it rubs me the wrong way I need to start examining why. I start in Psalm 139 and meditate on verses 23-24:
Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; And see if there is any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting.
Psalm 139:23-24
Once I have a submissive heart toward the Lord and humble myself to His word it is much easier to take His correction through the power of the Holy Spirit in His word.
It is imperative that, for the sake of my faith and trust in Him, I remember His word is the authority and what it says is perfect truth. Is it easy? No. I need to be so careful to accept the authority put in to place by God because what conclusion can be drawn about my attitude toward God if I disregard authority placed over me? It says that I don’t believe that God puts leaders in place. Then I am going against what God’s word says. I am defying the authority of God and I am saying that His word isn’t the authority over my life.
Oh how I pray for a heart of submission that I do not fall into that temptation!
Thankfully, God is gracious if I am repentant. So when I go to Him humbly, accept God’s word, obeying Him and following in His precepts, I find peace and joy. This means that no matter what happens I know that He is in control and my attitude becomes a witness of His greatness.
For the Lord of hosts has purposed, And who will annul it?
Isaiah 14:27