Gentle Reminders

Titus‬ ‭3‬:‭1‬-‭2

“Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.“

‭‭Titus‬ ‭3‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Although we are to be subject to rulers and authorities, we are by no means to compromise our faith. We are to work not to be contentious but to keep the peace. However, we read in these particular verses that pastors and those in church leadership have a duty to remind the people of God to be submissive to magistrates and other administrative authorities.

We are all to be obedient to governmental legislation and to be prepared and willing to do any upright and honorable work.  As has been evident from the beginning of time, God has established certain fundamental principles and institutions to which we should all adhere, including marriage, family, leadership, and government.  Although the statutes of God, which are laid out in His Word, supersede those of any national government.  We are to remain subject to rulers and authorities and are instructed to adhere to the rules and regulations they impose.

We all know it can be frustrating to submit to layered processes even in local communities. These realities unavoidably impact our daily lives. Our obligation to submit is not annulled when we consider our authorities demands unreasonable.

But we are to do so as Christ would, and at the same time, live Christ's character and let others see Him as our Lord. People without Christ cannot do this. Let them notice the difference!

Gospel progress is at stake. Don’t sully Christ's reputation with your unwillingness to submit to proper authority. We take the testimony of Christ and His Spirit everywhere we go.  His spirits influence is admired and appreciated when we are known to be filled with the fruit of the Spirit.

Remember that God places rulers and authorities, not your vote. He raises up leaders and brings them down according to His pleasure and plan.  Our purpose is to demonstrate Christ likeness regardless, to be kind and respect every authority even those that we don’t agree with. Then we will stand out in an anti authoritarian culture.

We don’t have to like, agree with, or support every authority and what they stand for.  But we must not be agitated away from respect. Believers should learn from the Word on how to submit to authorities in their culture.

Let us take to heart what the Bible teaches about our rights and responsibilities in the world in which we live. Let us remember that although we are living in the world, and must abide by governmental rules, we are not of the world, and should be reflecting the character and behavior of a child of God.

Our Great Commission far transcends any political agenda.

Live for Christ and sweetly submit with His spirit and attitude. That’s not popular in any culture, because we all have problems submitting to authority.

Do people around you know you as someone who is sweet, kind, consistent, and lives a Spirit-filled, holy lifestyle? This should be your pattern through years, not just promoting morality during times of political and cultural warfare. Don’t preach morality if you’re not living your morals year round.

Are you fearful and agitated by the current political climate? First, go to God and settle your heart in prayer. Then ask your discipler questions, and follow them as they follow Christ. Be peacemakers pursuing holy lives.

These verses should change how we post on social media. Are our contributions ungracious, unkind, disrespectful, or otherwise not Christ-like? Take them down. We can post for morality, just don’t be judgmental about it. Love covers a multitude!!!

Father, thank You for this day and Your goodness and grace and the wonderful way that You have disclosed to us our roles and responsibilities not only in our Christian fellowships, but in the wider, secular world in which we live. Lord, pour out Your abundant blessings upon my friend and family today. Lord, may we live honorable lives which display a Godly integrity and Christian grace to all with whom we come in contact May we, from this day forward, live a life that honors Your Holy Name. Lord use us to be the salt and light today of Your Word.

Father, we love You. Amen