Don't Despise Authority

Nevertheless, these dreamers likewise defile their flesh, despise authority, and blaspheme glorious beings. - Jude 8

Most African people groups still possess a respect for authority within their cultures. Youth within them learn from birth to respect their elders. Many times, I have seen a younger brother show respect to an older brother and almost every time I have entered a family compound, I have been given the first chair, because (you guessed it) I was the oldest.

One sign of disobedience to God is a lack of respect for those in authority. Even when those in authority do not act in a respectful manner, we should submit to them out of respect for the God who established them. Of course, "respect" does not negate civil disobedience when such authority acts outside of its God-ordained remit.

If this lack of respect manifests itself in a church context, then other problems typically exist. For example, the pastor himself might not be living a life of submission to God, or the members lack a maturing relationship with Christ. Repentance is often necessary for all in order for all to glorify the Lord.

The authority by which the Christian leader leads is not power but love, not force but example, not coercion but reasoned persuasion. Leaders have power, but power is safe only in the hands of those who humble themselves to serve. – John Stott