CHAPTER FOURTEEN: WHOSE AUTHORITY SHOULD YOU RECOGNIZE?

"AUTHORITY" is a distasteful word to many people.  This is understandable, for authority is often abused-on the job, in the family, and by governments.  The Bible realistically says:  "Man has dominated man to his injury." (Ecclesiastes 8:9) Yes, many have dominated others by acting in a tyrannical and self-serving manner. 

But not all authority is injurious. For example, it might be  that our body exercises authority over us.  It "orders" us to breathe, eat, drink, and sleep. Is this oppressive?  No. Compliance with these demands is for our good. While submission to our bodily needs may be involuntary, there are other forms of authority that require our willing  subjection. Consider some examples.

THE SUPREME AUTHORITY

Over 300 times in the Bible, Jehovah is called "Sovereign Lord."  What gives Jehovah this status? Revelation 4:11 answers:  "You are worthy, Jehovah, even our God, to receive the glory and the honor and the power, because you created all things, and because of your will they existed and were created."

 As our Creator, Jehovah has the right to exercise his authority as he chooses.  This might seem frightening, especially when we consider that God has an "abundance of dynamic energy."  He is called  "God Almighty"-a term that in Hebrew conveys the idea of overpowering strength.  (Isaiah 40:26; Genesis 17:1) Yet, Jehovah shows his strength in a benevolent way, for his dominant quality is love. -1 John 4:16. 

Although Jehovah warned that he would bring punishment upon unrepentant wrongdoers, Moses knew him principally as "the true God., the faithful God, keeping covenant and loving-kindness  in the case of those who love him and those who keep his commandments."  (Deuteronomy 7:9) Just imagine! The Supreme Authority of the universe does not force us to serve him.  Rather, we are drawn to him because of his love.  (Romans 24:5, 8) Submitting to Jehovah's authority is even a pleasure for his laws always work to our ultimate  benefit. -Psalm 19:7, 8. 

Our first parents rejected God's sovereignty.  They wanted to decide for themselves what was good and what was bad.  (Genesis 3:4-6) As a  result, they were ousted from their Paradise home.  Jehovah thereafter allowed them to live in an orderly, though imperfect, society. What are some of these authorities, and to what degree does God expect us to submit to them?

Next time: WHOSE AUTHORITY SHOULD YOU RECOGNIZE?/"THE SUPERIOR AUTHORITIES" 

From the book: KNOWLEDGE That Leads to Everlasting Life