Who's The Boss

So often we don't realize it when we have gone off on our own little way. Because we are born a rebel. We constantly find ourselves asserting our way because it feels so perfectly normal. We maybe willing to share ourselves, sometimes even sacrifice of ourselves for a desired end, but we never want to dethrone ourselves to the authority of others and God.

Jesus said, "And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?" --Luke 6:46 Many believers today are not very good servants because they do not respond well to the will of their masters. They do not obey speed limits, parking restrictions, tax laws and a host of other civil and institutional laws. They do not cheerfully submit to parents, husbands, employers, church leaders and other authority figures in their lives. The world tells us if we don't like the will of our master, it is all right to ignore or defy it. Nothing is more un-Christlike!

We are given many examples in the New Testament that we should obey those over us. These are only a few.

• "Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God: And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons. " --Colossians 3:22-25
• " Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed. And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort. --I Timothy 6:1-2

Jesus, Himself, even played by his own rules; He came to this earth and obeyed human authorities the same way. God, the Father said, "Behold my servant, whom I have chosen; my beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased." Because Jesus lived his life in submission. He denied himself to stay in line and to carry out the will of his Father.

[When we stand before God what kind of commendation will we receive? Being responsive to the will of our masters is another indicating test of Christlikeness. But who's the boss? What do our actions show? Oh Lord, help me that my way would become Your Way.] Excerpts taken from Changed into His Image.