We cannot separate our submission to God’s inherent authority from our submission to His delegated authority. All authority originates from Him! John Bevere
It had not been that long since I joined the team at Champions Centre. I was passionate and excited about serving my pastors, my church and most of all God. I had no idea the journey I would take and the changes that God would make in me as a result. I came from a place of being in charge, the boss, the one who made the decisions and called all the shots. I was a business owner and a manager. I was sure I was there because of how good I was at what I did. I knew it was a privilege and honor to be here, but I had no idea that I would have to learn to submit to the authority of my leaders.
You see, the way of the world – out there – is that it’s okay to disagree and talk back or worse, talk about your leaders behind their backs. It’s okay to criticize your boss, publicly. After all, we have rights and should be able to express our displeasure with authority. Right?
So, shortly after being on staff, because I was not able to do things “my way”, the way I thought was right, I became so confused, frustrated and yes, critical of authority and I thought, I don’t belong here. This began an inner conflict and conviction that what was going on was IN ME, and not my leaders. In the past, I would find another job. I would quit and move on to bigger and better things. But my church and pastors, to me, were the biggest and the best and I couldn’t go back, I couldn’t quit. I had to learn to submit myself and my will to the authority God had placed me under. I had to learn that in my submission, I would find that place of purpose and belonging that I had longed for my whole life. I had to learn to pray for, not criticize. I had to love and honor, not rebel against.
When I realized I had a rebellious and prideful spirit I was crushed. It was me! I needed a heart change. Not anyone else. Me! I remember sitting in the conference room with Pastor Sheila and I had to confess my rebellion, and ask for forgiveness. As I held her hand, crying, I told her how wrong I was and how sorry I was. That was almost 10 years ago. I stayed, I learned, I stay submitted (even when I may not agree, I come into agreement). I also went back to my Board President from my past employment and I apologized to him as well. While I left of my own accord, I did not honor his authority and I knew it. I still don’t always get it right, but I immediately recognize when I am out of line and adjust my attitude and heart.
Today is inauguration day and so many feel that they have a voice to criticize our president, his family, his past, his person. We don’t. We don’t have to agree, but we, as Christians have to submit to the leadership God, yes God, has placed us under. We are charged to pray for and honor our leaders. To do less, is rebellion against the place of blessing and privilege God has placed us in. I pray that we lift up our leaders, the authority placed in our lives, in prayer. All authority comes from God. If we approach leadership as God commands us to, we will find ourselves walking in the purpose and peace of God. I can tell you, it’s worth it.
Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. Romans 13
