(Eph.5:21)
God has put into place five structures of authority, which we all must submit to and that serve as a framework for our lives. Here we will look at the last two—authority within the family unit as well as at the workplace.
4.The family
God established an authority structure for families, which Paul wrote about in Ephesians. In chapter 5, verse 22, he wrote, "Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord." He went on to say that husbands are to love their wives as Christ loves the Church, so there is a responsibility on the part of both spouses.
Paul then instructed children in Ephesians 6:1: "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right." As long as you are living under the roof of your parents, you must submit to them. If you are over forty years old and still living with your mom and dad, then you will have to submit to them in many areas of your life. My suggestion is to move out. Once you are not living in their house, you are no longer under their authority. However, remember that the Bible says you are always to honor them.
5. Employers
Peter wrote that servants should be subject to their masters and not only to those masters who are "good and gentle." (1 Pet. 2:18 NASB.) That makes it very clear that we must submit on our jobs to whomever is in authority over us. If your boss is harsh or demanding, don't complain, but pray that God will work in his heart and cause him to become good and gentle. Then make sure you are on time and do a good job. Your employer will be ministered to by your diligence. If you do this, God will more than likely open a door for you to share Christ with him, if he is not already a believer.
The Roman centurion who told Jesus to just "speak the word" and his servant would be healed understood authority. He was a man in authority and under authority himself. Jesus said He had not found anyone in Israel with this kind of faith. Why was his faith so strong? Because he understood authority. He knew that demons and disease were subject to the authority of Jesus. (Matt. 8:9,10.)
In conclusion, we will never graduate from being under authority—even when we get to heaven. But those who learn how to flow in submission to it are the ones who will climb God's ladder of spiritual authority and do exploits for Him.
- How well does authority and submission work in your home? You may need to sit down with your family to discuss the biblical model and explain any changes that are needed. Make it a family affair.
- How well do you submit to authority at your workplace? Do you submit joyfully, or do your insides churn even though outwardly you conform? Pray for your boss and then make the necessary changes in your attitude. Submit to your boss as unto the Lord.
Dear God, it is often difficult to submit within my family unit and also at work. Sometimes the demands are unreasonable, sometimes I disagree, but I know from Your Word that I am to submit out of obedience to You. If there is an abuse of power or I am asked to do something that is contrary to Your Word, help me to respectfully decline. As I am faithful to submit to those You've put over me, I trust that You will promote me to a place a authority in due season. Amen.
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers
Terry has served as senior associate minister of a thriving congregation for over 23 years with over 40 years of experience in local church ministry. He is currently the senior pastor of Impact Church in Sherwood, Arkansas. Terry has authored four books. On the bestselling list, these books have motivated thousands of Christians to stand with their leaders in faithful service, helping them to fulfill God's purpose for their lives.
