One could correctly conclude that the overarching theme of the Bible is Authority. If it is not “the” theme of the Bible, it certainly is one of a number of themes. All men live under authority in some form or fashion. The Bible teaches us that there is even authority in the Godhead (I Cor: 11:3). A child lives under his parent’s authority, an employee lives under the authority of his employer, citizens live under the authority of their government. Biblically, we can rightly conclude that authority is good, necessary, and profitable for man.
Jesus states in Matthew 28:18, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.” Universally, without question, all men are under the authority of Jesus Christ. However, man is afforded two differing options: the option of choosing to acknowledge and voluntarily live under that authority now, or refusing to do so and at judgement being compelled to live under and acknowledge that authority as he is cast into Hell.
The immutable fact about authority is that all authority is conferred, not usurped. That is, all men during their life on earth get to CHOOSE under what authority they will place themselves. It is a choice that each man will make, whether he does so consciously, after thought and deliberation, or subconsciously, without any specific or deliberate thought. Either way, it is the individual man who chooses who will be an authority over him.
Have you chosen what authority you live under?
Many Christian men will readily confess, after some self-reflection and thought, that they voluntarily place themselves under the authority of God, their employer, and the Government. However, in Hebrews 13:17 the follower of Christ is instructed to take his view and application of authority even further.
The passage tells us:
“Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with grief, for this would be unprofitable for you.”
Please note with me the following observations from this passage.
- The passage assumes that the Christian has “leaders” in his life who he has placed himself under their authority.
- Question: Do you have leaders in your life that you can write down by name. Men who you have actively placed yourself under their authority.
- The leaders in the passage know and understand that their responsibility is “to keep watch over your soul.”
- Question: If you believe that you have leaders in your life, do they know that you consider them as leaders and that they are tasked with “keeping watch over your soul?” Furthermore, do they understand that this task is so important and crucial that the Scriptures instruct us that “they will give an account” to God on how they performed their leadership and “watching” in your life?
- Lastly, a man’s response to the authority he has placed himself under has eternal ramifications, “let them do this with joy and not with grief, for this would be unprofitable for you.”
- Question: How am I responding to the leaders I have conferred authority to in my life. Am I submitting to them?
When we embrace the Biblical teaching on conferring authority to God and to Godly men in our life, and view this authority as not only necessary, but joyfully accept it as something that is for our good; we are provided with needed protection and equipped to be able to run (and finish!) the race that God has prepared for us.
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