Every person is to be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. Therefore whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves. For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good and you will have praise from the same; for it is a servant of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a servant of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil.

One of the most common disciplinary methods in elementary schools is first to address a child’s behavioral issue in the classroom and then to address the behavior with the parents. Even positive behavior will be discussed in settings like parent-teacher conferences. Parents and teachers often work together to show children that their behaviors in different areas of life are connected.

Even as adults, our lives are so compartmentalized—home, work, church, or time spent with friends—that we may put on different faces or speak or act differently in various settings. When we look at our lives this way, these areas can seem disconnected. Ultimately, though, God is our authority. And the way we live in every area of life reflects our relationship with Him.

In this broken world, it is easy to resist authority. We see the choices of authority figures or the lifestyles of those we work for, and they quickly lose our respect. How challenging is it then that Scripture gives few qualifiers to being subject to earthly authorities that have been put in place? We may not cause an uprising, but God knows our hearts. He knows we are prone to fight for our own way regardless of the authority figure above us. Even when we disagree, we can go to our heavenly Father, tell Him our concerns, and ask Him to be our help as we respectfully submit to His authority and trust Him with the outcome.

• In what areas do you struggle with authority the most?
• What are some common ways you have resisted an authority with your life and thoughts?
• Pray and tell God your struggles in regard to respecting authority.