Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to…” 1 Peter 2:13

Standing in line at Disney World, Joyce’s granddaughter, Katie, was upset that she was being made to stand in line for a ride her younger sister wanted to go on. Angrily, Katie demanded she be allowed to go by herself on a different ride instead. When grandma told her she could not go by herself, Katie threw a tantrum. Grabbing her by the arm, her grandmother told her to stop being so childish and do what she was told. With dozens of people looking on, Katie yanked her arm out of her grandmother’s grasp and screamed that she was being physically abused. Security personnel quickly arrived to try to sort out what was happening. What had started as a day of fun turned into a nightmare.

What is it about authority and submission that is so hard for people to accept? Actually, the answer is rather obvious. It is the nature of our sinful hearts to rebel against authority. It was the same issue Eve faced when the serpent challenged God’s authority and her need to submit to it. Rebellion is the essence of the sin nature. In Peter’s second letter he reminds us that those who follow the corrupt desire of the sinful nature “despise authority.”

The truth is that because of our sin nature we think too highly of ourselves and too little about God or others. The curse of individualism is the elevation of self above God. Demanding our ‘right’ to make our own decisions about what is right or wrong is nothing less than idolatry. At the core of rebellion is the desire to play God—to not have to submit to another.

Ironically, while we demand the right of self-determination, we also want someone else to assume the liability if things go awry. We elect leaders who promise to give us what we want without personal responsibility or sacrifice. We don’t consider the cost. Exchanging the truth for lie, we unwittingly surrender true freedom for a new kind of plantation slavery.

People of courage, humility and responsibility—qualities rare among leaders today—know that proper submission to authority is the prerequisite to peace and harmony in life. Yes, there will always been tyrannical and abusive authority that demands a godly response. Peter is not oblivious to such matters. That is why he says, “Live as servants of God. Show proper respect to everyone…fear God, honor the king (see 2:16-17).”

The scriptures are clear—all authority belongs to God. His authority is supreme. There may be times when we must take a stand by not bowing our knee to a law or command which clearly disregards God’s authority. That is the choice Daniel has to make, but he did not do it to dishonor the king. He did it because he feared and worshiped God.

What we model to the next generations will either promote a rebellious attitude or a spirit of submission that shows proper respect to everyone. We must not be guilty of inciting rebellion and disrespect for those in authority, whether in government, our workplace or our marriages. Our children and grandchildren need to see us treating others with grace and respect, even when those in authority are unjust. Let us live such good live with the same attitude of our Lord that the next generations will want to embrace the good life too, and so silence the unjust.

P.S.: I urge you to read and sign the MANHATTAN DECLARATION. I believe it accurately reflects the kind of submission we should protray in the face of unjust laws and leaders. You will find it at www.manhattandeclaration.org. It is also a good talking point for discussion with your children and grandchildren.