Authority

October 13, 2011

            It’s raining this morning. I’m doing my “catch up” paperwork in McDonalds. I forget how different people are sometimes in the “regular” world. I’m in uniform; they’re not. Some of them have served this country. How do I know? These older gentlemen have to speak loud so they can hear one another. I go in and out of their conversations. Most of them talk about their aging and what the VA is doing or not doing for them.

            I had the good fortune of meeting a Vietnam Vet already this morning. He seemed liked a good guy. He was a helicopter pilot and is now in the oil industry. He, like most of us, is concerned about the route that America is headed. He questions the integrity of the government which he once served, making mention of organizations such as Oath Keepers and Veteran Defenders. His concern for the Oath he once took to “uphold and defend the Constitution” is inspiring.

            There are times when I question the intention of our government and it is easy to point fingers and condemn the “poster child” of our government – the President – but I think this Vet was correct in his statement: the President is only evidence of the symptoms. The heart of the issue goes much deeper than any figure head.

“Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished. For the authorities do not strike fear in people who are doing right, but in those who are doing wrong. Would you like to live without fear of the authorities? Do what is right, and they will honor you. The authorities are God’s servants, sent for your good. But if you are doing wrong, of course you should be afraid, for they have the power to punish you. They are God’s servants, sent for the very purpose of punishing those who do what is wrong. So you must submit to them, not only to avoid punishment, but also to keep a clear conscience. Pay your taxes, too, for these same reasons. For government workers need to be paid. They are serving God in what they do. Give to everyone what you owe them: Pay your taxes and government fees to those who collect them, and give respect and honor to those who are in authority.” – Romans 13:1-7.

            The key to this is that all authority comes from God. Remember when Jesus was before Pilate? Pilate was not fully aware of the authority of which Jesus spoke.

“He took Jesus back into the headquarters again and asked him, “Where are you from?” But Jesus gave no answer. “Why don’t you talk to me?” Pilate demanded. “Don’t you realize that I have the power to release you or crucify you?” Then Jesus said, “You would have no power over me at all unless it were given to you from above. So the one who handed me over to you has the greater sin.”” – John 19:9-11.

            Under whose authority are you operating? Do you know whose you are?