Whatever Happened to Respect for Authority? by Jeff Himmel

In some past articles, we’ve talked about the need to submit to the authority of God. But disregard for God’s authority isn’t the only problem we face. In the last few decades, the general attitude Americans have toward any authority seems to have gotten worse. Consider a few examples.

Government

The social upheaval of the 1960s made it "cool" to hold government in contempt. Since then, we have seen some rather extreme examples, like the bombing of a federal building in Oklahoma. But there also appears to be an increasing, widespread disregard for the rule of law — especially when it comes to laws we don’t like. Many people have no reservations about cheating on their taxes, violating traffic laws, or stealing cable TV, for instance. While some of these things may seem minor, they all show a lack of respect for government’s authority.

God’s word tells us, "Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities" (Romans 13:1). It tells us why: "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" (verses 1-2).

Human government is put in place by God. Jesus told the Roman governor Pilate, "You could have no power at all against Me unless it had been given you from above" (John 19:11). Government exists for our good (Romans 13:3-6; 1 Peter 2:13-17). It preserves order, protects its citizens from harm, and prevents or punishes many evils. No government does these things perfectly, but an imperfect government is better than no government at all! Even though its power is sometimes abused, government’s basic functions are for our good.

When the New Testament was written, the Roman Empire ruled most of the known world. The privileges of citizenship belonged to only a few, while an estimated one third of the population was slaves. The man who was emperor during much of this period was Nero, a vicious, unbalanced, paranoid man whose own family was not safe from his cruelty. Yet, even in this situation Christ’s apostles told their fellow disciples to respect the government as God’s minister. If they could do it, surely we can, too.

Employers

Most of us work for someone else. The companies we work for and the people we answer to are in positions of authority over us. But an alarming number of people have no regard for that authority. As one example, consider the rampant problem of employee theft — workers stealing office supplies, equipment, inventory, and even cash from the register. Employee theft is a major factor in one-third of all business failures. Retailers worry less about shoplifters than they do about their own workers stealing from them. That’s not to mention the number of workers who feel justified in padding time cards or expense reports, or just not working. That kind of behavior shows utter disrespect for authority.

Paul wrote, "Bondservants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh, not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing God. And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ" (Colossians 3:22-24). While the employer-employee relationship isn’t exactly like that of a master and bondservant, these principles should go with us to the workplace. We don’t just work for men; we work for God.


Parents

I don’t want to sound like a fuddy-duddy, but I’m disturbed by some of the things I hear kids say to adults these days. And I’m not talking about teenagers — I hear it even among some of the six-year-olds at my son’s school. More and more parents have given up their authority over their own children and essentially let the kids call the shots. Many of those children grow up thinking they are accountable to no one but themselves.

One of God’s fundamental commandments to the Israelites was, "Honor your father and your mother" (Exodus 20:12). In fact, under the Mosaic Law one who cursed or struck his parents incurred the death penalty (Exodus 21:15, 17). In the New Testament, Paul wrote, "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. ‘Honor your father and mother,’ which is the first commandment with promise: ‘that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth’ " (Ephesians 6:1-3). Parents, teach your children to respect authority: yours, the government’s, and God’s.

Conclusion

If we profess to respect the authority of our Creator, then let’s obey His instructions to respect the authority of government, employers, and parents. Remember that the commandments of God are given "for our good always" (Deuteronomy 6:24).