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True story from just a couple days ago…
The person ahead of me was turning left on a busy, two-lane highway, so I slowed to a stop behind them knowing they’d be a moment before traffic was clear enough to make the turn. As per my usual practice, I turned on my four-ways (hazard lights) to grab the attention of the driver behind me. Unfortunately, he didn’t notice the car stopped and waiting to turn, or me stopped behind it with my blinkers running.
Bang! My car shook; the momentum shift readjusted the rearview mirror and slid open the sunroof cover. Just as the vehicle began to cease from the violent colision, bang! Looking back, I realized I was not in any ordinary fender bender but a (not particularly serious) pile-up.
Immediately I pull off the road and jumped out of the car to see if those behind me were physically safe. Thankfully everyone seemed ok. In less than sixty seconds a State Trooper pulled up, asked us to return to our vehicles, and then proceed to interview us all, ascertain what had happened, file an accident report, and call tow trucks.
The Lesson
In the moments after that accident, the timely arrival and competent leadership brought by the police officer provided tremendous order and safety, and I was able to rest knowing that he would handle the details. I didn’t need to worry about making a case or figuring out insurance info from other drivers. I just sat there, answered a few questions, and then received a printout including all the information I needed for my insurance company.
In Romans 13, Paul clearly articulates that government is a God idea, and that it is a gift from God for our good. This is true in the civil realm such as with this officer, but also true within the family. Just think about the gift parents are to a young child. Their instruction and guidance might at times seem merely contrary, but a parent prohibiting their four year old from playing in the road is actually a gift to that child! And even later in life, God’s design is for us to have experienced people who care for us and can give us wisdom; it’s his design for family.
Further, this is true within the church. In Scripture we see the idea of spiritual authorities articulated again and again (e.g. 1 Thes 5:13–14). As Paul and Barnabas planted churches, they identified elders in those place to care for the local flocks (Acts 14:23). Here’s the reality: local church authorities are a gift from the Lord to us for our good.
[su_quote cite=”Hebrews 13:17″]Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you.[/su_quote]
Sadly, there are examples of authorities neglecting and even abusing their positions. Civil authorities, familial authorities, and ecclesiastical authorities. I’m sorry if you’ve experience poor or even abusive leadership. I pray you find healing and restoration in the power of Jesus. But I also want to encourage you, just like the existence of bad parents doesn’t mean that parenting is bad or contrary to God’s design, the existence of unhealthy church leadership doesn’t mean church leadership is bad or contrary to God’s design. To some this may be obvious, but to others this might be a significant and freeing truth.
Application
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We are called to be men and women under godly authority. If you aren’t part of a healthy local church, I encourage you to find a church where you not only attend but where you present yourselves to the eldership and ask for guidance. And seek to bring them joy as they lead you!
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Many of us are (or will be) in positions of authority. Whether you’re an elder yourself or not, at my church the eldership delegate authority and responsibility (like all good leaders)…or maybe as a parent or a representative of civil government. But check this: your authority isn’t just so that you can tell people what to do, but you are to be a gift to bless and guide those under you. That is sobering and inspiring!
Let us embrace God’s design for authority to receive and impart blessing.
photo credit: Port Authority Police Department Chevy Impala via photopin (license)
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