Mike’s Musings …
Does AUTHORITY Really Matter?
No question seems so silly to ask, but is simultaneously asked by those unwilling to accept the Lord’s authority for what we say and do. Colossians 3:17 is very plain: “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.” Yet, many go ahead and, without the Lord’s authority, engage in practices that are often quite contrary to His commandments.
When we were children, if we did something without parental approval, we knew better than to respond, “But you didn’t say NOT to …” If we said, “Everyone else is doing it …” we heard, “Not everyone is doing it because YOU’RE not doing it!” or “If they all jumped off the bridge, does that give you permission to follow their example?” We knew then what authority meant, and we never questioned it. Why, then, is it questioned when it comes to doing all in the name of the Lord, i.e., by His authority?
In the workforce, if an employee does something without authority from the employer, regardless of how the employee feels about its profitability, “You acted without authority” is grounds for dismissal. We understand that reasoning, but the same reasoning doesn’t exist with some when it comes to serving our Lord with reverence and godly fear. Why not?
We Christians must realize we do not own the church: it belongs to Christ (Acts 20:28). It isn’t ours: we’re simply blessed to be a part of it via our obedience to the gospel (Acts 2:47; 1 Peter 2: 1 – 10; et al). We are commanded to behave ourselves within it (1 Timothy 3:15). Why, then, do so many behave before our Lord with LESS righteous respect for His authority than we would before our parents or employers, or others we recognize as having authority over us? I muse on the shamefulness some express by doing in His name what He never authorized. They need to read and study Matthew 7:21 – 23.