Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Unfair Rulers

We are given guidelines or principles to follow. As children of God we submit to those in authority unless it is in direct conflict with God's Word. Paul wrote that women submit to their husbands as to The Lord. If what we are directed or asked to do conflicts with God's principles, we submit to God, the higher authority than our husbands (Ephesians 5:11, 22).

There are times when a woman must leave her husband for safety reasons, but normally she must remain (1 Corinthians 7:11-12). Some husbands are from such a complete different background than that of the spouse, that the couple do not understand one another. The husband can come across as dismissive. Paul gives instructions to all people who find themselves under unfair leadership. They must obey, remembering they are actually serving God (1 Peter 2:18-3:7, 12, Ephesians 6:9).

It is much easier to serve when we focus on the leaderships' needs, rather than on our own. There is a reason he or she is responding unfairly. Concentrate on asking the Lord to change your heart so that you can lovingly serve them. But also remember, though Jesus was submissive to authority, he never compromised the truth.