We all struggle with authority at times and we are quick to blame others. “Adam bit the apple and, feeling great shame, covered himself with a fig leaf. Eve, too, felt shame and covered herself with a fig leaf. Then she went behind a bush to try on a maple leaf, an almond leaf, and a grape vine.” Apologies, I couldn’t resist that story.
Paul writes to Titus to encourage him to teach the following.
“Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarrelling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people. For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Saviour appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Saviour, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” Titus 3:1-7, ESV.
“Paul addressed a short but power-packed letter to Titus and particularly to the churches in the island of Crete. Paul exhorts Titus, and all his fellow-believers in Christ, to be subject to rulers, to obey the lawmaking authorities. Although we are to be subject to rulers and authorities, we are by no means to compromise our faith.” Adapted from Knowing Jesus.
We can be easily led by some when it comes to doing the wrong thing and often we question those who are guiding us to do the right thing. Maybe we could try to reverse that thought process by being wise and be led by God in every action.