respect them both and obey, too, as long as their demands aren’t contrary to His Word. This can be a little hard to swallow. But remember, God placed these people (yes, all these people!) in your life to help you learn and grow and to protect you as
well. They are His “servants” working for “your good” and sometimes that means
bringing punishment” as well. Reread Romans 13:1-5.
TUESDAY Make a list of the people you consider to have authority over you (whether you like to admit it or not). Did you include your parents or other family members? teachers, coaches, principal? pastor and church leaders? community and government leaders? ...how ‘bout God and His Word? Go over your list, and ask yourself, “Am I respecting and obeying these authorities in a way that would honor God?” Be honest! Read Hebrews 13:17 then ask God to show you any places where your attitude toward authority might need a little work. Think of ways to make some positive change.
WEDNESDAY Your conscience is a great little tool God designed to help you recognize and relate to authority and know when you’ve gone off track when it comes to His plan for your life. Your conscience is also one way God protects you from choices and influences that can harm you. Read Isaiah 20:31 then ask yourself,
“When it comes to respecting and obeying the authorities God’s placed in my
life, am I ‘tuning in’ to my conscience—or am I ‘tuning out’?
THURSDAY Sometimes we think life would be so much better if we didn’t have to deal with all these people “bossing us around.” But think about what that would really mean. Imagine a world where everyone — yes, everyone! — was allowed to talk, eat, behave, drive, etc. however they wanted. Probably wouldn’t be a very nice (or even safe!) place, would it? Authority, though not always pleasant, has a very real purpose and place in your life. And it is for your good. Read I Peter 2:17 and thank God for the
authorities He has placed in your life, asking Him to help you respectfully submit today.
FRIDAY There will be times when someone in authority over you is just plain wrong. Jesus experienced this for sure! Those in authority treated Him unjustly and eventually put Him to death. But His response to those evil rulers is an example worth following. Instead of “giving it right back” as we’re often tempted to do when we feel mistreated, Jesus forgave them and even prayed for them. See Luke 23:34. Are you willing to do the same?
SATURDAY Maybe after all this talk about authority, you’ve realized there’s someone in particular that you’ve had a hard time obeying, or possibly even simply respecting. There’s no better time than now to make a change. Would you be willing to confess to that person the lack of respect you’ve shown for them in the past and your commitment to do better in the future? Remember the first step to fixing a problem is just admitting that there is one! Come on, you can do this!! Read James 5:16 and Acts 26:20.