"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.

"Responsibility vs. Unreliability"--Authority

Responsibility vs. Unreliability Meditation Commentary

Responsibility is knowing and doing what God and others are expecting of me.

“Owe no man anything, but to love one another; for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. Love worketh no ill to his neighbor: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law. And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.” —Romans 13:8-11

            Responsibility indicates that there is a standard you need to measure up to, and things that are expected of you, which indicates the presence of authority.  Obviously, there are aspects of authority that require responsibility and reliability.  Scenarios involving school, career and parents, are the first that come to mind.   The verses above are interesting in that they highlight the chief aspect of responsibility we have towards other people—which is to love one another.   This can actually be a tough concept to grasp at times.  Sometimes we recognize that we owe people certain things like money, overdue library books, borrowed tools, a favor, a hand, an invitation, respect, time, a paper, a meal, etc., and will agree that people can hold us responsible for not ‘paying’ those things, if we are unreliable in those areas that there is a mutual agreement of responsibility.  A job is a good example.  It is important to be responsible at work because there are agreed upon conditions that if an employer pays the worker a set amount of money, the worker owes the company a certain amount of time.  If a worker does not fit the requirements he or she is responsible for in that job, he or she will be considered unreliable.  How often do we have that mindset regarding love to others, though?  Paul certainly did, as he saw himself as a debtor to all men (Romans 1:14), and the parable Jesus tells in Matthew 18 reinforces the same concept.  Based on the way our Ultimate Authority has treated us, we have a responsibility to treat others the way He wants us to.  If our love for others is conditional and inconsistent, we are unreliable.  Loving others is one of the things that God, as our authority, requires of us.  Responsibility can be a tough thing to grasp or to own up to.  It is not easy to take responsibility for things, but if we see God as an authority, we must acknowledge that there are certain things He requires of us.  (Micah 6:8; Ecclesiastes 12:13)  Easy-believism and a sense of a lack of responsibility is very prevalent in Christian culture, which many people even think is pious because it emphasizes that God does all the work, and do not have to do anything, even choose Him or have faith.  However, if we understand that God is our authority, we understand that while we cannot earn anything from Him, there are certain things He holds us responsible for, as His servants and sons (Mal. 1:6).  Just as the king in Jesus’ parable held the servant, who was forgiven much, accountable for treating the other servant inconsistently in regard to the king’s mercy, God holds us responsible for responding to His grace and love in a child-like and honest and acceptable way.

"Be Reconciled"--Authority

Be Reconciled Meditation Commentary

“Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath aught against thee; Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.” —Matthew 5:23-24

“That they may be one; as thou, Father, art I me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one . . .”—John 17:21-23

            Understanding how to submit to authorities will influence the way you interact in every other relationship.  A lot of times we want to be independent, and stand up for our rights, but when we are in authority under people, we are forced to submit our wills and rights to them.  This is actually good practice for other relationships as well.  Reconciliation requires an attitude of submission.  When we are in a conflict with someone, submitting to one another, (as Ephesians 5:21 says to do), is essential to resolving the conflict.  We have to lay down our own rights and view ourselves as a servant a lot of times when we want to reconcile with people.  It takes humility to admit we are wrong, and even more humility to go to someone and attempt to reconcile when you are still convinced you are right, and the other person has not apologized.  The best example of reconciliation comes from our ultimate authority, who as our Lord and Master, washed our feet (John 13:14).  Our mandate of reconciliation is based on His example.  “To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.” (2 Corinthians 5:19)  Philippians 2 describes the way that Jesus humbled Himself as a servant in order to reconcile us to Him.  We have to do the same thing to reconcile with people.  Preferring others before yourself is a very important act of our Christian life.  When we are under authority, we have to acknowledge the authority as right in many circumstances to keep the job or the peace or whatever the situation is.   If we esteem others as better than ourselves (Philippians 2:3), as we do our authorities, reconciliation becomes a much easier process.

"Self-Control vs. Self-Indulgence"--Authority

Self-Control vs. Self-Indulgence

Self-control is the power of the Holy Spirit that results from passing the tests of the Spirit.

Self-Control vs. Self-Indulgence Meditation Commentary

 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” —Galatians 5:22-25

            It is interesting that these verses describe the fruit of the spirit in conjunction with our responsibility to walk in the spirit and crucify our flesh.  The fact that we have to submit to the authority of the Spirit of God means that we have authority and responsibility, as well.  The difference between self-control and self-indulgence has to do with whether you are valuing your own authority or the authority of the Spirit more. Romans 6:16 says, “Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?”  Whoever you obey determines whether you are indulging yourself or controlling yourself.  It is easy to indulge ourselves, and obey our own selfish impulses and desires, and it is difficult to suppress those desires.  In fact, we cannot even do it on our own; we need the help of the Spirit.  We do play a role in this though.  The Spirit of God is different from other authorities in that He does not force His will on us.  Rather, He wants us to yield our desires to Him, and yield our bodies to Him so that He can reign in our lives.  Romans 6:12-13 “Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.”  We have been made alive and justified by the Spirit, but it is now our responsibility to control our own selfish desires.  Again, it is by the Spirit that we are able to do it, but we must yield to that Spirit, and walk in the Spirit, and let Him manifest fruit in our lives.  Fruit like self-control takes a while to mature.  It does not immediately blossom into a fully ripe fruit overnight.  Fruit matures slowly sometimes, and self-control is no exception.  God places us in situations that require self-control, and the trick is learning to yield to Him in those situations and let Him take authority in our lives.

"Do Not Lust"--Authority

Do Not Lust Meditation Commentary

“And if thy right hand offend thee, pluck it out, and cast if from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell. And if thy right hand offend thee, cut if off, and cast if from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.” —Matthew 5:29-30

“Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness , faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart .”—II Timothy 2:22

            Often we think our thoughts are our own territory for us to rule over.  After all, if there is one place that is private and personal enough for us to own, it has to be our own thoughts that go through our own minds, right?  Is it actually possible, however, to infringe on someone else simply by the way we think?

            Obviously, Christians understand that their thoughts must bow before God, and must completely submit to Him as Lord.  If God commands His people to think a certain way, and avoid other thoughts, the nature of a servant under the authority of his master demands that God’s people obey Him even in the area of thoughts.  However, in the specific command God gives not to lust, there is another area of authority that is infringed upon.  When a person lusts, he or she actually steps out of the bounds of his or her own authority and takes authority that he or she has no right to.

            It is interesting that the tenth commandment denies the right a person has to covet.  Many of the Ten Commandments are fairly concrete and it is clear why the commands not to steal, murder, commit adultery, etc., are given in that those actions hurt other people.   In the tenth commandment, however, God goes straight to the root and attacks the mindset and mentality that could bring a great amount of harm.  Covetousness involves desiring things you have no right to or authority over.  Concupiscence, an obscure King James Biblical word used in Colossians 3:5, is used to describe a longing or desire for what is forbidden.  Clearly lust falls under the category of covetousness and concupiscence.

The Bible has an interesting concept in 1 Corinthians 7:3-4.  “Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto the husband. The wife hath not power of her own body, but the husband: and likewise also the husband hath not power of his own body, but the wife.”  Each spouse has power or authority over the other’s body.  Until marriage that person’s body does not belong to you, and when you desire it and undress a girl or disrespect her mentally, you are acting as if her body is yours to derive pleasure from, when that is not the case.  Lust crosses the boundaries of your own authority and tries to rob Christ of His, since all our bodies are supposed to belong to Him anyway (1 Cor. 6:20).

"Honor vs. Disrespect"--Authority

Honor vs. Disrespect Meditation Commentary

Honor is humbling myself in the presence of a God-given authority and expressing my devotion with an appropriate gift.

“O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker. For he is our God; and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand.”  —Psalm 95:6-7

“Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you. Pray for us: for we trust we have a good conscience, in all things willing to live honestly.” —Hebrews 13:17-18

            Honor is an undervalued concept in our culture.  Other cultures often have more esteem for the concept of honor than we as Americans do.  It has to do with respect and reverence, which are often not concepts that care-free and easy-going, tolerant Americans like to think about.  We do have some idea of what it is all about.  When we put our hand over our hearts and say the Pledge of Allegiance, we are showing honor for our country.  When we have a moment of silence for those who have died in battle, we show honor for their sacrifice.  When we clap or stand for a well-known speaker we show honor for his position.  When we give up a better seat on the bus for an elderly person or a lady, we show honor for age or femininity.  Some of these things are still lightly esteemed.  Acknowledging and recognizing authority, however, can restore a glorious understanding of honor to the way we interact with people.  

If we acknowledge God’s authority, and the authority of His Word in the Bible, we will give Him and His Word due respect and honor.  We will esteem those things that have to do with Him or His Word in a higher fashion than we may treat a comic book, psychology newsletter, or Buddha statue.  We show honor to God and His Word in many different ways than simply physical like standing for the reading of the Word in church, or putting it in an exalted place.  A Muslim friend of mine was surprised to see a Bible on the dashboard of a truck, and mentioned that Christians treat what they claim is the Word of God with so much more disrespect than Muslims do the Koran.  My friend who owned the truck explained that he did honor the Word of God, but he honored it by doing what it said, rather than showing reverence for the actual ink and paper.  Honor involves showing value by respecting the gravity and authenticity of authority.  We honor God by doing what He says.  The same goes for the authority of other things.  If we acknowledge the authority of our country’s leaders, our parents, our employers, our teachers, or even of other people, we will honor them, and honor those the authorities command to honor.   Of course, there is a hierarchy of order.  Honor for God comes before honor for any other authority.  But if we really honor God, we will also honor those He commands us to honor, which includes everyone around us.  (Eph. 5:21)

"Honor Your Parents"--Authority

Honor Your Parents Meditation Commentary

“For God commanded saying, Honor thy father and mother; and he that curseth father or mother, let him die the death.” —Matthew 15:4

“Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honor thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise; that it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.” —Ephesians 6:1-3

            The word for “honor” reveals a lot about what God’s intentions were in giving this command.  The Strong’s definition says, “to prize, that is, fix a valuation upon; by implication to revere: - honour, value.”   As the definition indicates, this is more than a casual respect or regard or simple obedience.  Christians are supposed to prize and value parents which means that we are not to just begrudgingly do what they say because we have to, but must recognize their value.  Parents are incredible gifts, especially in the context of the way God intends for families to work.  He has provided two people to help and instruct us through life, and to provide examples for how to do basic things, and also to provide and protect and teach social constructs to.  Of course, the immediate question is to ask about those parents who do not live in the context of God’s plan…those who are not perfect or who are absent.  My dad passed away when I was seven years old, and I have grown up in a single-parent home, with just my mom raising us.  Though this may be seen as a drawback, I value and prize and honor my mom even more than I likely would if both of my parents were alive, because I recognize that she has put in so much work and effort into raising us, having to do the job of both parents.  I also still value my dad, even though he is not with us, because he did so much for me when he was alive.  The command, however, also applies to those whose parents do not live according to God’s guideline.  We are to look for and uphold the value in our parents, regardless of how they act.  Parents are the authorities God has placed in our lives, and part of honoring them has to do with esteeming them even if we do to agree with them.