Wednesday, May 9, 2001
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Wednesday, May 9, 2001 |
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Some perspective on authority I am a 24-year-old wife and mother of three. I say this to give some perspective on where I am coming from. I consider myself to be young enough to have some credibility in discussing issues involving "young people," yet as a parent, my eyes have been opened as to why my parents did the things they did. I agree with Mr. Wallace that schools can only impart knowledge. Intelligence is indeed another matter entirely. Wisdom is also something that no school can give, yet it is something we should all seek to gain. I too am a Christian. My parents taught me the Word from infancy. Perhaps Mr. Wallace was not blessed with this kind of upbringing, and is therefore unfamiliar with what the God he claims to serve has to say about authorities. Let's start with the basics: Exodus 20:12: "Honor your father and your mother that your days may be long upon the land which the Lord your God is giving you." God says we are to honor those He has placed in our lives as authorities, because He has ordained them. Their power comes from God. Romans 13:1-2: "Let every soul be subject (in submission to) the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgement on themselves." Mr. Wallace, I applaud your eagerness to proclaim that you are a temple of the Holy Spirit. That is a worthy goal, and if your life truly reflects this, you will be a shining light. However, as a fellow believer, it is my duty to strongly suggest you get yourself a good concordance and do some serious studying to see what the God you claim you serve says about authority. If after doing this, you discover what I have said is wrong, please show me. But, I think you will find the Bible's clear teaching to be one of respect and submission to the governing authorities, be they civic (our nation's leaders), religious (your pastor), or family (your parents). I know this is a very unpopular point of view with today's generation, not much of what a Christian is called to comes naturally. Our nature wants to rebel, crying out "I want my way!" Yet, we are called to a higher way, God's way. Sometimes it is hard, sometimes we do not understand why, yet it is enough that we know His wisdom is also higher than our own. He knows why He has commanded, and He has promised that it is for our good. That's all the "why" I need. Kathryn Andrews Peachtree City drewnkat@bellsouth.net
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