Saturday, April 20, 2013

"Keep Your Word"--Authority


Keep Your Word Meditation Commentary
“Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths: but I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God’s throne: Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King. Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black. But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.”—Matthew 5:33-37
"And he brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be." -- Genesis 15:5
            Keeping your word is an important moral obligation to those in authority.  It is easy to understand why authorities should keep their word.  Those in authority have people depending on them, and looking up to them, and are expecting authorities to act in a consistent, honorable, truthful way.  If the authority does not keep his or her word, he or she should not be in authority.  (Sorry, politicians.)    The greatest reason to keep one’s word is, of course, the example of the faithfulness of God—the Ultimate Authority. 
There is also a responsibility to those under authority to keep their word, even if those in authority above them (like politicians or any other leaders) do not.   Authority is for the purpose of leading people and keeping them in line, and things can run smoothly when all parties keep their word.  Each party in a relationship has certain responsibilities and if the one in subjection does not keep his or her word, it is the responsibility of the authority to hold that person accountable.  In our own lives we can see examples of this, because all of us have some authority or level of influence above others at some point, which makes it easier to relate to those above us.  Keeping in mind that we are and will be in authority over others some day is a good motivation to keep our word when we are under authority.  The Bible says he that is faithful in that which is little is faithful also in much (Luke 16:10).  The Golden Rule is very applicable when it comes to keeping commitments and promises to authorities.   However, the Bible also speaks very clearly to those whose authorities are not following the Golden Rule, and insists on honesty and integrity.   Col 3:22-24: “Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God:  (23)  And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;  (24)  Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.” 1Peter 2:18: “Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward.”  The admonition to servants applies to anyone under authority.  It also speaks to those of have authority, as most people do in some way, and the importance of keeping their word.  Ephesians 6:9: “And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him.”  It is important for all both in authority and under it to keep their word so that a healthy relationship can operate.

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