OBEDIENCE TO LEADERSHIP

Biblical perspective on respect to authorities

Let every soul be subject to the higher powers. For there is no power but of God. The power that be are ordained of God. 

Render therefore to all their dues; tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear (is due); honour to whom honour is due. (Romans 23:1,7)

Let me make a quick disclaimer. There are people who assumed leadership unlawfully. There are also those who have used leadership positions for very ignoble purposes, detrimental to the led. There is a recommended reaction route for this. 

Respect Authorities 

We see in the scripture above that God is the one who bestows power. This spans across your family, office, church, community, through to the state. Scriptures command that we respect authorities set over us. This is God's way of maintaining order.

When disobedience and rebellion sets in at any level of a leadership, it comes with chaos, order is suspended, and progress is impeded.

Do Not Curse Your Leaders 

Sometimes, we take laws into our hands and play the judge. Vengeance belongs to God. (If you desire such, ask.) When you seek to revenge by cursing, you invite the judgement of God upon yourself. Ecclesiastes 10:20 says '...do not curse a king in your thought.'

This is regardless of how you feel. This rule seem strange to the 'modern' man, but the word of God doesn't grow old either. You can make constructive criticism, air out your views, observations and recommendations. But be mindful of this spiritual law.

Correct Them, Pray for Them 

  The second part of our text (verse 7) says that we should render to our leaders their due honour, tribute and regard. This behoves on followers to regard and honour their leaders, despite the leaders' deficiencies and insufficiencies.

In the church, for instance, if your unit/departmental head misses out on your expected qualities and performance, make it your duty then to correct, advise and pray for him.

This shows regard to God and marks you as a good follower. A popular adage says 'If you are humble enough on the followers' pew, you will be promoted to the leadership row in front.'

Walk Away if You Can; Obey if You Stay 

You may not like your leader sometimes, it happens. If you could no longer bear with him, you can quietly walk away or withdraw your participation. This method of disengagement is noble. Simply terminate your affiliations. This way, you spare yourself the risk of incurring a curse. But as long as you are under an authority, you have to respect it. 

(Note: this article has not covered every issue on this subject, but the message is thus: obey your leaders.)

God bless you. 

Listen to Goodlife Podcast.