Do you have a difficult and unfair boss? Who doesn’t? Would it surprise you to know that God has laid out a way for you to deal with such unjust treatment at the hands of one who has authority over you?
In Romans 13:1 (NLT) Paul says, “Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God.”
Paul also writes to his son in the faith, in 1 Timothy 2:1-2 (NLT), about interceding on behalf of all people by praying for those in positions of power.
“I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.”
The Apostle Peter also speaks of submission to authority in 1 Peter 2:18-19 (NASB).
“Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and gentle, but also to those who are harsh. For this finds favor, if for the sake of conscience toward God a person endures grief when suffering unjustly.”
That passage is sure to ruffle some feathers, isn’t it? Essentially, Peter is telling us to submit to authority whether the person(s) in charge is kind or cruel. Why? The next two verses, courtesy of the New Living Translation, tell us.
“Of course, you get no credit for being patient if you are beaten for doing wrong. But if you suffer for doing good and endure it patiently, God is pleased with you. For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps.”
Jesus Christ was blameless, and yet He endured the worse type of treatment at the hands of the Pharisees, religious leaders, and the Roman soldiers.
If our Savior submitted to the authority of God, shouldn’t we do the same?
The next time you’re tempted to rebel against authority, remember that God has placed that person in a position over you. If you endure the unfair treatment with patience, God is pleased.
Truth & Discernment 