6th February, 2008
CHRISSI
ELLANKOON
“Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good.”
- Titus 3: 1 (New International Version)
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OBEYING THE RULES: Chrissi Ellankoon argues that Christians are to respect and obey all those set over us, even when we don't understand why they have made certain decisions. PICTURE: Lars Sundström (www.sxc.hu)
"One of the themes that follow through the ministry of Jesus is that in all circumstances and in all ways, He obeyed the law. Jesus spoke out about obeying the law of the land which involved things such as paying taxes. As Christians today the message hasn’t changed. We need to be subject to our authorities, obedient and ready to do good".
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It’s interesting that Paul opens this sentence to Titus with “remind”. How did he know that we would constantly need reminding to be submitted to our rulers and authorities?
One of the themes that follow through the ministry of Jesus is that in all circumstances and in all ways, He obeyed the law. Jesus spoke out about obeying the law of the land which involved things such as paying taxes. As Christians today the message hasn’t changed. We need to be subject to our authorities, obedient and ready to do good.
While in a church environment this may be easier than in the world, Paul does not differentiate between non- Christian and Christian rulers. I think we often read this verse and read what we want to see and that is to be subject to good Christian rules and authorities. What this verse really tells us is that we are to respect and obey all those who are set in authority over us, because God has placed them in those positions whether they know that or not.
This is not always the easiest thing to do. Being submissive to those over us is hard, especially when we don’t see eye to eye or understand why they have made certain decisions. Not only do we need to be submissive, but we also need to be ready to do good.
Unfortunately, I think most of us need reminding of this. I am sure we are all guilty of thinking that we know more or better than those over us. However, being a Christian means living a life which is submitted and obedient to our authorities.
I pray that you will look for areas in your life which you need to resubmit to. It may be an attitude to your employers or local government, it may even be the leaders of your Church. Just remember that God is aware of everyone in authority and He will call them into account for the ways that they managed. One of the best things we can do to see changes is to not only submit to those in authority but to be praying for them. Praying that God will direct and guide their management and decisions, praying where we feel that change is needed and praying for them to increase in wisdom and discernment.
Once we have prayed we then need to trust that God has it all in hand, His will is ultimately done.
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