Chris Leuck
You don’t have to look too far or think very hard to discover the fact that there are good bosses and bad bosses, good husbands and bad husbands, good and bad parents, good and bad Presidents… you get the picture. There are good authority figures and bad authority figures. However, we often find bad authority figures in a good authority structure.
It is vital that we Christians understand the distinction between authority structures and the figures operating within those structures, because as Christians we are called to unconditionally respect those that God has placed in authority over us, even if they are ignorant, foolish, or unjust... even if you are angrily mocked or threatened… yes, even if they are disobedient to the word of God (1 Peter 2:13-3:7).
We should be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution that God has ordained for people (1 Peter 2:13). This includes:
- governing authorities (1 Peter 2:13-17; Romans 13:1-7)
- workplace authorities (1 Peter 2:18)
- and family authorities (1 Peter 3:1-7; Ephesians 5-6)
We are not only talking about a way of thinking, but also a way of doing. Yes, you should think of yourself as subordinate to the authorities that God has put in your life, but you should also act in subordination.
So, what does that mean? How should we act? HONOR and RESPECT.
Regarding your relationship to the governing authorities: Be subject to them. Think of yourself as subordinate to them and act in subordination. Honor them. Respect them, even if they are not worthy of your respect. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people (1 Peter 3:15).
Does this mean that you shouldn’t stand up for righteousness? Does this mean that you should cower from and compromise the truth? It most certainly does not. But it DOES mean that all of your opinions, positions, and criticisms should honor the authority structure that God has put in place. They should be communicated respectfully, or not communicated at all. After all, there is no authority except that which has come from God (Romans 13)… so who are you really mad at?
These things also apply to your relationship with the workplace authorities: Be subject to them with all respect, not only to the gentle but also to the unjust (1 Peter 3:18). “What!? On what basis!?” you say… On the basis of Jesus Christ. God has given Him as our example in these matters. You WILL suffer for doing what is good and right. Follow Christ… He suffered unjustly at the hands of sinful men. When he was mocked, he did not mock or threaten in return. No, instead He continued to entrust Himself to the One who judges justly, our Father in heaven (1 Peter 3:18-25).
How about those authorities that God has put in place within our families? Indeed, God HAS instituted authority structures for our family relationships and we should be subject to those authorities for the Lord’s sake…
*Children, honor your father and mother that it may go well with you (Ephesians 6:2-3). You might be put off by their rules around the house. You might be ready to be on your own. If you are newly married and trying to effectively leave and cleave to your spouse, or if you are taking care of your parents as they are aging… young or old, you never again have to question how you should act toward your parents. Honor and respect them. It will go well with you.
*Wives, be subject/submit to your own husbands. It is important to note that this IS NOT a blanket command for women to be subordinate to men. This is the way that a woman should act with HER husband… respect him unconditionally (1 Peter 3:1-2; Ephesians 5:22-24; 33). Even if they are disobedient to the word of God, win them without a word. Win them by your respectful and pure conduct (3:1-2).
*Husbands, we are all to be subject to every human institution for the Lord’s sake, including governing authorities and workplace authorities… in the same way, you should show honor and respect to your wife in everything. She is an heir of God’s grace with you (1 Peter 3:7). You never again have to question the way that you should act towards your wife in EVERY situation… Honor her. Respect her. Give yourself up for her (Ephesians 5:25).
There are good authority figures and bad authority figures operating in God’s authority structures, which are very good. Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution. If they are foolish, silence their ignorance by doing good. If they are unjust, continue to entrust yourself to the one who judges justly. If you are mocked, do not mock or threaten in return. Christ is your authority and example in these things. Follow Him.
