… not to talk back to them …
Summary: Authority in others is a difficult thing for us to accept. Whether legitimate or not, we tend to bridle when told what to do. Yet God’s Word teaches us not to talk back to them.
For the sake of discussion, let’s lump all authority figures in with slaveowners. Essentially we are talking about people who have some measure of control over another person’s life. This would include parents of young children, police, doctors, teachers, and spouses. If a person is in legal trouble, it could include your attorney, the judge, court officials, guards, and prison officials. If a person is in the military, there are any number of authority figures to deal with. And of course, there is the boss at work.
In each of these situations, the authority can be benevolent or malevolent. I have heard horror stories of all kinds of people abusing their authority. I have also heard wonderful stories about people in authority who do the kindest, most thoughtful things.
Talking back to someone is to refute their right to tell you what to do. It is the art of contradicting or denying what has been said. If a ship’s captain gives an order and the crew refuses to obey, disaster is not far off.
People who “talk back” to the authority in their lives create conflict. They are challenging authority. What choice does the authority have? I suppose in the case of a mouthy slave, the owner can sell the slave and buy another. In our modern world, we don’t have slaves, but the challenge remains the same. When an employee talks back to a boss, it might be forgiven the first time. If it becomes a problem, the solution is that someone gets fired. The employer then finds another employee who knows how to respect authority.
As Christians, we represent our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Everything we say and do reflects on our Lord’s reputation. What we do says everything about whom we serve.
Nowhere in God’s Word does it condone backtalk or disrespect to authority. When we see Jesus arguing with the Pharisees and teachers of the law, it might appear that he is “talking back” to them. The irony is that just the opposite is true. In every sense of the word, Jesus is THE authority. He is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords (Rev 19:16). It is the Pharisees who contradict authority.
So our job as Christians is to honor Christ. He lived as one who honored his Father above all else. We should do the same. Whatever our lot in life, our task is to deal with it by following God’s Word. Our lives on this earth are “a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes” (James 4:14). Eternity is forever.
Our God is a loving God. Our salvation is through faith in Jesus Christ (John 3:14-15). We do not obey to earn our righteousness before God. We obey out of gratitude for our salvation and love for our Lord. No matter how bad it seems, our Lord’s willingness to suffer for our salvation has set the bar higher. All that is left is for us to follow in his footsteps.
Application: Suffering in this life can seem overwhelming. Suffering for eternity is overwhelming.
Food for Thought: What does it say to others when we refuse to recognize human authority?
We must be subject to all legitimate authorities who are ordained by God (cf. Roman’s 13: 1-7).
We ask must give them due respect during the period they are in authority over us.
However, other employment may be sought from an overbearing, harsh employer rather than continuing service.
A separation may be necessary from a totally unreasonable, unbearable family or spousal relationship. Citizenship may be forfeited if the alternative is likely completely a completely unjust long-term imprisonment or exeecution if a more reasonable government who does not usually extradite is available and excess able.
On the other hand, if forfeiture of freedom, property, livelihood, and/or life are the soveignly ordained by God it is better to submit and honor the Lord. This is to in no way suggest that if any legal rights or defense is available is should not be vigorously exercised if under God an individual considers themselves to be wrongly or falsely persecuted or abused due their weak standing in the face of the respective power or law or authority which is in control.
Given the vastness of power of the respective authorities it is best to submit if possible. Realizing the personal cost of failure to submit should be taken into account.
What however does the scripture say to do when the authority in question demands disobedience to clear, undeniable, nearly universally agreed commands as understood by true – born again believers.
Is it submit? Or is it obey God and suffer the consequences, or alternatively remove yourself from being under the jurisdiction of the authority at issue. Just a note, the people who were in the colonies of Great Britain rebelled against King George and fought for their freedoms and won them with their split blood.
Submit or face the sword on the one hand Roman’s 13: 1-7.
Do not fear those who can only kill the body but can not do anything more, Fear Him who, after killing the body has the power to throw your immaterial being into He’ll (for eternity). Yes, I tell you, FEAR HIM (Luke 12: 4-5).
Choose wisely in eternal choices. Eternity is forever.
Be Blessed, and may the Lord enable you to be a blessing and encouragement to someone else today, and this week and month,
Thank you, Jeff.
It is a challenging topic!
If we are refusing human authority that God has placed over us and is trying to function according to God’s will – then in reality we are rebelling against God. We are making the statement that we will not submit to anyone, including God.
There are reasons not to submit to authority – such as when the authority is countering God’s authority. But if that authority is not countering God’s clearly stated will, then to rebel is prideful defiance. Pride and arrogance are not attractive. In the process we can hurt our testimony.
Submitting to authority shows reverence to Christ. Ephesians 5: 21.
Thank you, Rich.
I appreciate you pointing us to Jesus. He is the beginning and the end of all there is.
Rich,
We are in complete agreement about what you have said.
This hit on some things that my brother and I have been discussing–namely slavery–which can be seen as an archetype mirrored from the heavens. I think of the “on earth as it is in heaven” from our Lord’s prayer.
Jude offers some insights too,
“Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities.
Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.
But these speak evil of those things which they know not: but what they know naturally, as brute beasts, in those things they corrupt themselves.” – Jude 1:8-10
I think it’s clear to see that despising dominion is wrong. This is regardless of whether that dominion is for or against us. The devil is obviously our greatest adversary, but he is on God’s leash and is ultimately here to fulfill a purpose. Even when the devil satisfies his own evil intentions (taking Christ to the cross) it can only play into God’s ultimate plan.
When Christ submitted to Pontius Pilate, he told him he could have no authority over him but that which had been granted from above. Christ, though greater in authority submits. I see this submission, is in the end, to what God has ordained and to his higher purpose. It is clearly no abdication of Christ’s true authority. And we have authority only in him, but we do have this, yet we willingly submit for a time. At the end of the age, however, we shall even judge the angels! It’s hard to believe, but is in the Bible!
One last thing I felt to share is that it is not a bad thing to be a slave to a perfect master. I also think of Abraham’s slave who was set to be his heir, at least in Abraham’s eyes at one point. Abraham was incredibly wealthy.
“And Abram said, Lord God, what wilt thou give me, seeing I go childless, and the steward of my house is this Eliezer of Damascus?
And Abram said, Behold, to me thou hast given no seed: and, lo, one born in my house is mine heir.”
– Genesis 15:2-3
NMOP3PISdn,
Thank you for joining in! I appreciate your take on this. I especially appreciate you pointing out “it is not a bad thing to be a slave to a perfect master.“
Quick question: Was the title for this a typo, or what am I missing?
NMOP3PISdn,
I am not sure you are missing anything. I tend to be a bit esoteric in my title choices. In this case it is a reference to the last sentence in my post:
“All that is left is for us to follow in his footsteps. ”
🙂
What does it say to others when we refuse to recognize human authority?
Human beings view and judge the conduct of others based on opinions formed by their experiences or lack of, which opens the door to unlimited daily variations of ever-changing possibilities, Rebellious, Independent, Troublemaker, Visionary, Fanatic, Hero.
As believers we are called to live according to Gods Word regarding authority within our family, government, church and as employees.
Ephesians 5:21–6:4, I Peter 2:13–17, I Peter 5:1–11, I Peter 2:18
God is the ultimate authority over all mankind. He chooses who receives authority and those who serve those given authority.
Human authority in the US has recognized abortions 862,320 for 2017 (murder) same sex marriage, and 112 genders and counting as of 2020 (an abomination to God) legalizing drugs (substance abuse and addiction), USDA requires Churches stop passing out bibles and remove “Jesus is Lord” banners to keep receiving food to distribute to the poor. California christians taken to court for reading bible near government offices, refusing to make cake for same sex couple leads to court battle and a 19 year military veteran is removed from service for opposing same sex couples.
As believers we continue to worship our God of the Bible each day as witness’, example’s. We consistently live in obedience to our faith. As light in the darkness we refuse to agree with or participate in the new “up to date” standards established by men. This light of God clearly illuminates the perversion of their actions as they are under the conviction of the Holy Spirit, and they can each make a choice which will have eternal rewards or consequences. We do not take matters into our own hand and riot or demonstrate.
If our Governing authorities require we do something which is contrary to Gods will, we obey God knowing His will for us is best, no matter what He does.
See Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, and Daniel.
Daniel 3:8-25, 6:6-23,
Ron,
Powerful summation! I do have to say though, that I like your list of roles: ” Rebellious, Independent, Troublemaker, Visionary, Fanatic, Hero.” It is like having a closet full of superhero costumes! Judging by my past choices, I would have to say that “Troublemaker” is my favorite. 🙂
I would never have guessed that. : )
Thank you Jeff H. Great to hear from you upside down. My only problem with Ron’s list is it did not include me – pest 😉.
Blessings to all.
Hmmm…
If that comment were an “aside” and Rich really were a “pest” (he’s not!) then your comment would be a “pest aside.”
🙂
👍🏻
😇
Oh my, there we are, lol!