RESPECT THE ONES GIVEN AUTHORITY OVER YOU

"THE kids have all the rights.  There's no respect for parents," bemoans a mother.  "Question Authority" says  a bumper sticker.  Those are but two reflections of a situation that prevails today, as you must know.  A general lack of respect for parents, teachers, employers, and government officials is common all over the world.  (I have a slightly different opinion about who deserves respect. You have to earn it. I have had  one or two employers in my work experience that actually deserved respect-at least mine; and has for the government, they do not deserve any. All they do is lie and deceive. You see, I am a realist and have been since I was  a very young girl.)

Some may just shrug their shoulders and say, 'Well, those in positions of authority don't merit my respect.'  At times, that may be hard to deny.  We are faced with a steady flow of news about corrupt government officials, greedy employers, incompetent teachers, and abusive parents.  (the part about corrupt government is on the mark, also employers and abusive parents. The teachers I can deal with. There aren't many employers who have respect for their employees either, been there.) Happily a few Christians view those in authority in the congregation in that same light.  (because we actually see the  real truth and don't have our heads stuck in the ground, like people who don't want to see  the truth)  -Matthew 24:45-47.

As Christians, we have "compelling reason" for respecting those exercising secular authority. The apostle Paul admonished Christians to "be in subjection to the superior authorities, for there is no authority except by God;  The  existing authorities stand placed in their  relative positions by God." (1 Peter 2:13-15)  Yeah,  but God  did not want or expect  them to be  the corrupt, liars, greedy, abusive etc. people,   that they are today. He expected them to be able to actually run things the way they were suppose to be-didn't happen-still not happening  and won't, not in this wicked system of things-world.)  Paul also showed a valid reason for obeying the authorities in the family: "You wives be in subjection to your husbands, as it is becoming to the Lord.  (this is correct)  You children, be obedient to your parents in everything, for this is well-pleasing in the Lord." (also correct)  (Colossians 3:18, 20) Congregation elders are worthy of our honor (not honor, but  respect  yes.   only God should be honored and it says in the Bible that we are not suppose to take titles, such as reverend, pastor, etc.)  because 'the holy spirit has appointed them overseers, ( would say it was more like some imperfect sinful people who appointed them) to shepherd the congregation of God.'  (Acts 20:28) it is out of respect for Jehovah that  we respect human authorities.  Naturally honoring Jehovah's authority always comes first in our lives.  Acts 5:29.  (There is a difference between honor and respect and with the exception of Jehovah, honor should not be used here.)

With Jehovah's supreme authority in mind, let us consider examples of some who did not respect those in authority and of some who did.

Next time: Disrespect Leads to Disapproval

The Watchtower, 2000

(Growing up, I was brought up to believe that respect should be earned, not just taken for granted My mother was a bible school teacher. Yes, children should have respect for their parents, as they gave them life and are the parent and are the ones that should do the disciplining of them.  That should be automatic. Although it also depends on  if the parents are abusive-I mean beating a child. I don't mean spanking them a couple times on the rear end. I mean outright beating them with their fists etc. There is a difference and some parents either don't know the difference or they don't care. But this is why there are so many teenagers who are running all over their parents.  As for abusive husbands, God did not intend on the  wives or husbands to get treated in that fashion by their male or female spouses.  Be in subjection, yes.  Abused, No.  Been there too. )