As I'm preparing to preach the last portion of Genesis 1 this Sunday, I've thought quite a bit about authority.
- Parents teach kids authority.
- We deal with authority in employment.
- We consider authority when an officer pulls us over.
- Teachers and administrators exert authority.
- Some voluntarily give authority - to coaches. leaders, dare I say pastors?
But, when making moral decisions, do we really want authority?
Do we really want a friend challenging how we obtain entertainment illegally? Or cutting a corner on our taxes? Or about the profanity in a Facebook post?
Often we find convenience in putting young people down for their brazen moral rebellion. Do we not show the same disdain for authority when we refuse counsel or challenge from a brother or sister in the faith?
Ultimately, God's Word is our authority. Do we really trust what it says? Are we really interested in giving up our "freedom of choice" and admit God's wisdom is far better than our own, even if it's at odds with our own?
Proverbs 16:1-5
1 The plans of the heart belong to man,
but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord.
2 All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes,
but the Lord weighs the spirit.[a]
3 Commit your work to the Lord,
and your plans will be established.
4 The Lord has made everything for its purpose,
even the wicked for the day of trouble.
5 Everyone who is arrogant in heart is an abomination to the Lord;
be assured, he will not go unpunished.
In Christ,
Pastor Kevin