Camp Fires Week 2Sample

Is honoring authority really that important?

The word authority often brings negative feelings and emotions. Whether it’s our boss, teacher, government official, pastor or parent, is it really that important to honor them? Would the answer be different if they did things that were wrong? The same negative feelings and dissatisfaction with authority are not all that different than in Jesus’ time.

In the Gospels we find the Pharisees approached Jesus in an attempt to get Him to publicly disagree with the Roman government. The Roman government at the time was taxing the Jewish people more than the regular Roman citizens. Jews harbored resentment rather than respect towards the Roman government that ruled over Jerusalem. Knowing this, the Pharisees asked Jesus if they should have to pay the taxes. Jesus responds with “Give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.” (Mark 12:17 NIV)

Even if what is happening is not right, we have a responsibility to honor and respect those in authority. Each person in leadership has been placed there by God, but it doesn’t mean they do everything right. As Christians we must respect the God-given authority of those people and treat them accordingly, no matter how they choose to act. But honor is not the same thing as agreement. We can disagree with someone and still honor them.

Engagement Point:

Have you ever disagreed with or been hurt by a leader or authority figure? What ways can you honor them despite what they have done?