Have you ever had moments where you just wanted to rebel? You know, where you just tired of following rules and wanted to do something contrary? Say…like wearing a mask?
Welcome to my world.
Not that it is always like that. Most often I am pretty easy going and acquiescent. Growing up I always played sports. Baseball and basketball. There is one constant in all sports: rules. Authority. The rule book is the standard under which the game is played. The umpire/ref is the authority who enforces the rules. The coach follows them. Then there is me-the player. I am subject to my coach, the umpire and the rules.
One time I remember having a not-so-good game (translated: bad). Playing first I had done well. But batting was another story. I had already struck out twice on called third strikes and pitches I thought were below my knees. The third time he called me out and the coach said something about getting the bat off my shoulder. I said something to the effect that I needed a golf club to hit that last pitch he called Strike 3. That didn’t sit well with him or the umpire. And while it didn’t sit well with either of them, I found the bench an even harder seat. My rebellion had a consequence-the bench for the rest of the game and an apology to both the coach and the ump. Sorry again George (my coach. And I’m not even going to attempt to spell his last name). And Mr. Witherspoon.
I challenged authority. I still do. I found every opportunity to not wear a mask during the recent fiasco. But that is innocent rebellion in the grand scheme of things. The real disobedience and defiance comes when I disobey or defy God’s Word. God’s Word is given as the authority, the standard, the “rule book.” I can choose to comply or choose to fight.
Where do you find yourself? Are you like me? Compliant but also rebellious at times? Deciding I know better. This whole challenging authority never seems to work out for our good. Sitting the bench and gather splinters is never fun.
“Father, may I be obedient and compliant to your authority. May Your Word be my ‘rule book’ to follow.”
Authority can be tough… Especially when the authority is human and fallible. Especially when mistakes made have a direct impact on me or my family. Romans 13 makes it pretty clear on how God views worldly authority and His expectations in regards to my respect of it. I am glad I live in a country that includes rules and laws that apply not only to the common folk, but should also apply to those in authority and the powers of our rulers are bound by the laws and rules that make up this nation.
Then we have God, the Ultimate Authority. The infallible authority. The ruler that sets order of things universally and is bound by His perfect character.
I am going to stop there… I had typed another 3 paragraphs that went on a bit of a rant regarding my struggle with our current worldly authority… but that would go completely against the purpose of this post.
I just need to pray your prayer… “May I be obedient and compliant to God’s authority…”
I have my own thoughts about today’s authority also Ryan. And it isn’t pretty! 🙂 Like you, I simply want to say I will be obedient to God’s authority.
God’s Word is the lasting authority, Bill. Man’s rules, unless they are based in Judeo-Christian values, are flimsy at best. If we follow God faithfully, we will not break the rules.
Great analogy here, by the way.
Blessings!
Thanks Martha. I will stand with God’s Word.
I think I am one of those that challenge authority, but also bow down to it at times.
I guess the only way to go is to keep preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ?!
Never quit on that Ed.