R-E-S-P-E-C-T/ topic: attitude toward authority

READING: Lev. 26,27; Acts 23

SCRIPTURE: Acts 23:2-5 At this the high priest Ananias ordered those standing newar Paul to strike him on the mouth. Then Paul said to him, "God will strike you, you whitewashed wall! You sit there to judge me according to the law, yet you yourself violate the law by commanding that I be struck!" Those who were standing near Paul said, "You dare to insult God's high priest?" Paul replied, "Brothers, I did not realize that he was the high priest; for it is written: 'Do not speak evil about the ruler of your people.' "

OBSERVATION: Wow! Paul rightfully rebukes the high priest for being a hypocrite who has the audacity to judge Paul according to the law while he himself does not obey the law. Yet, when Paul finds out his harsh words have been directed to the high priest, he apologizes immediately. Even though his criticism was correct, his attitude in speaking to an authority figure was not.
god takes a dim view of speaking disrespectfully to or about those in authority.

APPLICATION: This is a difficult pill for Americans to swallow. In our extremely individualistic culture where freedom of speech is considered the paramount right, we consider it almost a duty to question authority and even deride them if we disagree with what they say or do (example: comics who belittle and make jokes at the expense of politicians). It's nothing for children to back-talk and scorn their parents or teachers. Adults bad-mouth bosses and public leaders quite often. But we must be missing something important because God stresses respect for authority of all kinds (God, religious and civil leaders, employers and parents) in a number of scriptures in the Old and New Testaments. Apparently, God is BIG on respect! Could it be that He knows that our lives would be better if we operated with respect toward those over us, even when they do things wrong? I think so. Does this mean we can never point out when an authority figure is blowing it or being hypocritical? No. God gives instructions in His Word for how to properly confront leaders with a respectful attitude. It's something we need to practice.

PRAYER: Father, keep my heart pure and pleasing to You. Let me know in my spirit immediately when I am about to "cross the line" in making disrespectful jokes or comments about leaders that I don't like or agree with. May I work with those You have placed over me in my life and receive the blessing that comes from You when I live in harmony with Your ways. In Jesus' Name, Amen.