On Whose Authority?

 Authority has been on my mind a lot lately, in several different areas of my life. I’m not completely sure why. Perhaps it is because I want to be “under” someone. It makes me feel safe, protected. That desire to be protected helps keep authority on the forefront of my mind, because I want to be sure that I am in the proper place, that I have followed the Lord’s guidance as to the earthly authority that I need. However, the harsh reality of it – whether you’re like me or not – is that we are all under some kind of authority. We can choose some of them ourselves, like which pastor you place yourself under, but some authority we do not choose. Like, for instance, the laws are a type of authority and, while yes, we do vote on some of them, they just “are”. And if you break them, typically, there is some type of consequence.

So, my question to myself over the last couple of weeks regarding certain decisions has been “On whose authority…?” It just occurred to me one day while contemplating what to do in a certain situation – have I even stopped to determine whose authority I am acting under? Yes, I’ve prayed about the situation, but that doesn’t always mean that I will be patient enough to hear the answer, and sometimes, I just hear what I want to hear. But, as a Christian, I want to be under God’s authority, ultimately. And I want the things I do to respect that authority and give honor to Him. But do I do that, practically, in my every day comings and goings? What does it really mean to give God the authority in my life?

As I began reading some about authority and what all it entails, two examples came to mind. I am pretty simple-minded when it comes to understanding things, and practical examples really help me wrap my head around things.  So, let’s look at two behaviors that I think are extremely common in our world today, and that I can relate to – speeding and divorce. I chose these two because I think they portray the two different sides of the perspective while being common enough that most people can relate.

Speeding – anyone who has driven around the Columbia area, particularly on the interstate, will know that speeding is common. Whether you are a fast driver or not, it is there. A lot. And, a lot of Christians speed like there is no such thing as a speed limit. If I choose to speed, am I acting under the authority of God?

Divorce – I think it is probably safe to say that everyone knows someone who has been divorced. And, dare I say, most people know at least one person that has been married more than one time. Obviously, it is a pretty common occurrence, regardless of what you believe the statistics are. If I choose to get divorced, or marry again after a divorce, am I acting under the authority of the Lord? This one can get a little tricky because there are so many different aspects to divorce. So, for the sake of this argument, I will ONLY be referring to situations where both parties are getting divorced because they have “irreconcilable differences”. There is no abuse, no adultery or anything of that sort and it is a mutual decision (as in, one person did not just walk away). And, according to our laws, they can get divorced, with no other reasons necessary.

The Word of God makes it clear as to how the Lord feels about divorce (Malachi 2, Matthew 5, and Matthew 19). There are also several scriptures instructing us to not divorce even if one person is a believer and one is not (1 Corinthians 7:12-16). However, in our culture today (American culture, that is) divorce is “common”. Our laws permit divorce, and once that divorce is final, one is free to remarry whomever and whenever that person so desires. However, is that biblical? According to Matthew 5 and 19, I do not see how that argument can be made. So, my question is, when we, as Christians, divorce and remarry (sometimes multiple times) because the world’s law says we can, because it matches our desire, unto whose authority are we submitting?

Speed limits are posted on every road, at least as far as I know. It is against the law to drive faster than that posted limit, not to mention, it can be dangerous. If you get pulled over for speeding, the most common consequence is a speeding ticket. However, if you don’t get pulled over, and don’t get into an accident, I guess there isn’t much of a consequence. So, if I, as a Christian, choose to drive above the posted speed limit, unto whose authority am I submitting?

My perspective is that, in both situations, I would be only submitting to my flesh. In both situations, I am not submitting to the Lord’s authority. With the divorce situation, I think the verses pertaining to divorce explain why I say that. With speeding, I think this relates, from Romans 13:

Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience (verses 1-5).

Perhaps you believe I have made two entirely different situations far too black and white. And, perhaps, I have. However, I truly believe the principles apply regardless of how black and white or gray they are. As God-fearing, Bible-believing Christians, we claim to submit our lives to the authority of God. But, do we, do I, do that? Practically? In my everyday life, my daily comings and goings and routine, do I live my life under God’s authority, and ultimately for His glory? Do I weigh my decisions based on the authority He has in my life, or are they made according to my own whims and desires?

My prayer for my own life is that my life would glorify God. I don’t believe that can ever happen if I do not submit to His authority. My prayer today is that I would make more of a conscious effort to discover what the Lord would have to say, not of what the world would approve. My plan to see this begin to happen: dive into His Word with a fresh love and hunger.  Without the foundation of His Word, what other way would I have to determine His desires, character, nature or instruction?