HONOR AND RESPECT FOR PERSONS IN AUTHORITY AND LEADERSHIP:
THOUGHT: All leadership authority comes from God, (Romans 13:1) so how we respond to those over us lead not only back to them but also back to God the ultimate leader who set them in authority. We are to honor and respect our leaders and obey them as they guide us in keeping with the Word of God, but we are not to worship them or blindly obey them if they themselves go astray from God’s Word.
SCRIPTURES AND THOUGHTS: Exodus 20:12 Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.
The home is the beginning of where we learn to honor authority. This should transition to leaders at church, school, employment and society as it relates to police and those responsible for maintaining order.
RESPONDING TO LEADERS: The Scriptures are clear in how we respond to authorities. Only a few of them are listed here for your review:
Romans 13:1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.
Hebrews 13:7 Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.
Hebrews 13:17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.
1 Timothy 5:17 Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.
1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; [13] And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves.
ADMONITIONS TO LEADERS: The Scriptures are also very clear on the responsibility of leaders to be an example and to lead in humility and truth:
1 Timothy 4:12 Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
Matthew 20:26 But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister;
Proverbs 29:2 When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.
2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
Proverbs 16:12 It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness: for the throne is established by righteousness.
Proverbs 29:4 The king by judgment establisheth the land: but he that receiveth gifts overthroweth it.
Jeremiah 23:1 Woe be unto the pastors that destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! saith the LORD.
PRAYER: LORD, I recognize that You are our Creator and our ultimate authority. I recognize that all authority comes from You and my response to all authority goes to You. Forgive me where I have missed the mark and for my inappropriate attitudes to parents, teachers, law keepers, and other authorities that You have allowed in my life. I am learning to give appropriate respect and honor to leaders for their title and responsibility. Help me to respond appropriately when I do not agree with leaders and when leaders are doing what I believe is wrong. LORD, give us wise and compassionate leaders, to lead us in truth and righteousness, In Jesus name, AMEN!
PRAYER FOR THE PRESIDENT OF THE USA: LORD, please touch President Donald Trump, his wife Melania and all those in his inner circle impacted by the COVID19 disease. Touch their bodies and bring them to health. Give wisdom, skill and discretion to the physicians attending to him. Open the president’s heart and the hearts of his family and the presidential circle to receive the full salvation of Christ in truth. Give him the wisdom and motivation to use his words and actions to bring healing to our nation, In the Name of Jesus, AMEN!
