Disprespect Leads to Disapproval

From the history of King David, we can see how Jehovah views those who look down on God-given authority.  When David had the ark of the covenant brought to Jerusalem, his wife Michal "got to see King David leaping and dancing around before Jehovah; and she began to despise him in her heart."  Michal should have recognized David as not only the family head, but also the king of the land.  However, she voiced her feelings in sarcasm:  "How glorious the king of Israel made himself today when he uncovered himself today to the eyes of the slave girls of his servants, just as one of the empty-headed men uncovers himself out right!"  A result of this was that Michal never produced children. -2 Samuel 6:14-23. (David was a Christian, so he deserved to be king and have authority, some others abuse authority)

An outrageous example of not respecting God-appointed theocratic leadership was that of Korah. As a Kohathite, what a privilege he enjoyed serving Jehovah at the tabernacle!  Still, he found fault with Moses and Aaron, God's anointed leaders of the Israelites.  Korah banded together with other chieftains of Israel and brazenly told Moses and Aaron: "The whole assembly are all of them holy and Jehovah is in their midst. Why, then, should you lift yourselves up above the congregation of Jehovah?" How did Jehovah view the attitude of Korah and his supporters?  God viewed their action as dishonoring Jehovah himself.  After seeing all those on their side swallowed up in the earth, Korah and the 250 chieftains were destroyed by fire from Jehovah. -Numbers 16:1-3, 28-35.

In the first-century Christian congregation, there were those who disregarded theocratic authority.  The "superfine apostles" in the Corinthians congregation had a disrespectful attitude toward Paul.  They criticized his speaking ability, saying: "His presence in person is weak and his speech is contemptible."  (2 Corinthians 10:10; 11:5)  Whether Paul was an outstanding speaker or not, he deserved respect as an apostle.  But was Paul's speech really contemptible?  His public discourses recorded in the Bible give evidence of how convincing a speaker he was.  Why, as a result of how convincing a  brief discussion with Herod Agrippa II, an "expert on all . . . the controversies among Jews,"  Paul brought the king to the point of saying:  "In a short time you would persuade me to become a Christian!"  (Acts 13:15-43; 17:22-34; 26:1-28)  Yet, the superfine  apostles in Corinth accused him of being contemptible in his speech!  How did Jehovah view their attitude?  In a message for the overseers of the Ephesian congregation, Jesus Christ spoke favorably of the ones who refused to be drawn away by those 'who said they were apostles, but they were not.' -Revelation 2:2.

Next time: Respect Despite Imperfection

The Watchtower, 2000