"So you must obey them and do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach. They tie up heavy loads and put them on men's shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them."
Matthew 23:3-4
what?
ok. so the authority put before us. we must obey them but we cannot be like them? is that possible?
i have been reading these two verses all day now and trying to figure out how that should look in my life. how am i to show respect and obedience to the authorities placed before me, while still diligently following only God's orders? and even harder for me to imagine...how am i to be a part of this world and be involved in their issues, but not let those issues weigh heavily on my shoulders?
all i can decide from this right now. is that this will take extreme care and concentration on the task at hand. this is not a natural way to live - it will take effort. the other thing i need to learn to control in this is my sensitivity.
i cannot let an issue become a crisis. a weight on my shoulders.
how will i chose to react to other people's crises?
how do i extend a hand of grace while maintaining my own peace?
Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God... For he is God's servant to do good for you.
ReplyDelete-Romans 13:1, 4a
I urge, then, first of all, that all requests, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving be made for everyone-- for kings and those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.
-1 Timothy 2:1