Day #19: Respect Authority

Obey the king’s command, because you took an oath before God to be loyal to him. Do not rush out of the king’s presence in haste—do not delay when the matter is unpleasant, for he can do whatever he pleases. Surely the king’s authority is absolute; no one can say to him, “What are you doing?” (Ec 8:2-4)

In Solomon's day, monarchs had absolute authority, so he gives some much-needed advice to those in the king's presence: 1. Obey the king 2. Be loyal to him. 3. Don't hastily leave his presence. 4. Don't delay his command when it is unpleasant. 5. Don't question his authority. 

 

When interacting with someone with high rank, this wisdom can still be helpful today.  It demonstrates respect.  In our day, especially in democratic societies, we don't give a lot of thought to respecting authorities.  But there are times when we must.  In the military, when dealing with law enforcement, or government agencies like the FBI or the IRS, we must show deference when encountering authority figures.  Even students must keep this in mind when interacting with teachers and coaches.  The New Testament speaks to this:

 

Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except by God’s appointment, and the authorities that exist have been instituted by God. So the person who resists such authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will incur judgment (for rulers cause no fear for good conduct but for bad). Do you desire not to fear authority? Do good and you will receive its commendation, for it is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be in fear, for it does not bear the sword in vain. It is God’s servant to administer retribution on the wrongdoer. Therefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of the wrath of the authorities but also because of your conscience. (Ro 13:1-5)

 

In Romans, the Apostle Paul is reminding us of an important fact.  "There is no authority except by God's appointment."  By resisting authority, we are resisting God.  When we resist, we can expect punishment.  But if we do good, we need not fear those in authority.  So, we should act accordingly, to avoid trouble, but also for conscience’s sake. 

 

However, Solomon, with his extreme candor, ends this section by pointing out a troubling fact…

 

While applying my mind to everything that happens in this world, I have seen all this: Sometimes one person dominates other people to their harm. (Ec 8:9)

 

Sometimes authority figures mistreat those under their control.  By using authority wrongly, they can cause much hurt.  And if we are honest, we know this is true.  Some would conclude, "I'll only show respect to those who deserve it."  That may seem noble, but it’s naïve. Besides, who made you the judge of which authorities are good, and which are bad?  History shows that Emperor Claudius was in power as Paul wrote the letter to the Romans.  Claudius was no friend of the faith and had Christians leaders expelled from Rome.  So, Paul's admonition to be "subject to the governing authorities" was written when under an emperor hostile to the fledgling churches.  This refutes any idea of only respecting the authority figures we like.

 

Questions to consider:

1.       Why do you suppose it is so hard to respect authority?

2.       Have you ever been mistreated by an authority figure?

3.       How did you respond?


Read on to Day #20

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