Trusting and Obeying

(Today's devotion is brought to you by Paul and Johnny)

Scripture reference: Romans 13:1-7

In this reading, Apostle Paul challenges us to submit to God-given authorities. For children, this means submitting to parents. For adults, this means leaders in the government, the workplace, and the church.

So why should we submit? Is it because these leaders are the smartest, most reliable individuals on earth?

No. Paul asks us to submit simply because these authorities have been established by God. When we submit with sincerity of heart, we are doing the will of God.

Ephesians 5:21 reads “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” We ought to obey and honour our parents, so that we may enjoy long life on earth. (Ephesians 6:1-3) We ought to serve our authorities wholeheartedly, as if we were serving God, and He will reward us. (Ephesians 6:7-8)

Through submission, God is simply providing us with an authority test.

Before we ever become leaders of integrity ourselves, we must learn to follow other leaders, regardless of differences. In fact, the acid test of character comes when we disagree with legitimate authorities. When we refuse to demand our own ways and instead submit to others, our hearts are right. This is when God can trust us to lead others.

Today, there are some of us who are struggling to submit to our parents at home, our bosses in workplace, or our cell leaders in church.

Know that when we submit with sincerity in heart, we are serving God, not men. Know that when we honour our parents, we will enjoy long life on earth. Know that when we serve wholeheartedly, God will reward us bountifully. Know that only when we learn to submit to God-given authorities instead of demanding our own ways, then God can trust us to lead others.

Therefore, I urge all of us to put on Christ and submit to authorities appointed by God, just as Jesus has submitted to His Heavenly Father with respect and fear, and with sincerity in heart. And know that our Father in Heaven will bless us with even more.

(Today's devotion was brought to you by Paul and Johnny)