“¹⁵Declare these things; exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you.” — Titus 2:15 (ESV)

And there you have it. I am to use the authority give by God. I am not to allow others to dismiss me. I am to display that which is mine as provided by the Father.

But wait. Yes I have been give authority and have the ability to use that authority, yet I am to do so only in the most thought out circumstances and not at every whimsical opportunity to demonstrate strength and power. I am to be a child of God and reserve that authority for the circumstances where reason and love and care are absolutey NOT possible.

Jesus was the picture of calm and reserve and love and care at all times. He dealt with situations in a way that we as humans can only dream about. And yet, he was able to accomplish so much. Paul’s work was largely done while he had not physical contact with others. Yes he traveled and was well known, yet his writings that we study now were composed as he sat in prison.

Our authority is not something that we have earned and are free to use as we see fit. It was given by God and is for those extreme circumstances where there is no other way to accomplish the work of God in the world. Use, not abuse, of the this authority is for us. I am to call on the name of Jesus and allow Him to provide as noted in John 14.

“¹³Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. ¹⁴If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.” — John 14:13-14 (ESV)

Notice the second part of verse 13 above, “that the Father may be glorified in the Son”. It is not for my glory that I call on this authority given by God, but for His. I am to remember at all times that it is for the name of God that I am here doing His work and not for my own name. When needed, I call on the authority given to me by God and I will be granted that to which will glorify God and spread His name throughout the world.

What are you looking for in authority? Are you hoping that the authority you have will somehow advance your standing? What it you recognized and used the authority given by God to you to advance His name throughout the world?

This morning as I continue to study the word “authority” I was reading in 1 Timothy and his writing to “pray for all people”. This is where I found the below verse.

“¹²I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet.” — 1 Timothy 2:12 (ESV)

Without context of what Paul is referring, one would see the role of woman to be that of full submissive and do as they are told. That is not being referred to here. Paul is stating that the role of men in the church is that of leadership and authority and for women it is of support. And that is the only place that the supportive role is being referenced.

Women are not prohibited from leadership and authority positions outside the church or in the personal relationship with their husbands (remember from my writing related to wearing symbols of authority). Even in the church, women are encouraged to teach and have leadership positions over women and children. They are to teach and care for them as their own. But in the church as a whole, women are to be supportive of the men and their leadership and authority. They are to be conservative and not drawing attention to themselves.

“⁹likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire,” — 1 Timothy 12:9 (ESV)

This conservative and modest appearance allows for the attention to be on those in authority and does not distract from the role of the church, to bring glory to God and allow for the full worship of Him.

The authority and leadership of the church is reserved for men in the eyes of God. Not as a way of controlling or having women submit to them. The men have their role and the women, theirs. These roles are very clear and therefore are in the interest of God and for His glory and honor.

What are your values related to leadership and authority? Are you interested in those that are self-serving or those that are serving God? What if you were to take the leadership and authority role that God intended for you and served Him in that capacity and supported others in their role?

I am thankful that I do not have to fully rule over all. Yes, I do not have to rule over all. That job is for Jesus as given to Him by God.

“²¹far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. ²²And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, ²³which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.” — Ephesians 1:21-23 (ESV)

Everything is under the rule and authority of Jesus and for that I am thankful. He will provide and protect, guide and direct, and care and love me and all that I am working in and through. I have Him to show me the way and clear the path. I have Jesus to lean on at all times and where he has tasks for me to complete, I am never alone in that work as He is with me all the way.

In my life I have or had bosses, managers, leaders, mentors, and authority figures and none of them compare to the role that Jesus has. He is the authority that gives strength. He is the leader that truly says “follow me”. He not only sets me on a path, but stays with me ever present when I need help. Jesus is the answer to any and all based on His rule and authority over any and all. I am thankful for His authority and knowing that when I need Him, I only need ask and He will be there.

What authority does Jesus have in your life? Are you aware that He is there for you every step of the way? What if you leaned on Him and were thankful for His being there and having that authority in all?

“¹⁰That is why a wife ought to have a symbol of authority on her head, because of the angels.” — 1 Corinthians 11:10 (ESV)

As I read this morning, I was required to dig deeper for understanding here with this passage and this verse. At first and without full understanding, it reads as though a wife should be fully submissive to the husband, even to the point of wearing a head covering for all to see that she was “taken”. And where it is true in God’s word for the wife to submit to the husband, it is not as barbaric as it sounds.

I read the commentary for the passage in my ESV Bible and found that where indeed the head covering was a symbol of the authority of the husband and that the wife is taken. The culture of the day dictated that the head covering was more in line with a wedding ring and not a symbol of full submission. In the culture I am a part of that wedding ring symbol even translates to the husband to demonstrate the marriage to and authority of the wife in the relationship and with the husband.

My wife and I have been married for over 25 years and in that time I have gone into public without my wedding ring so few times I do not even think that I have. I am proud to let everyone know that I am married and that I respect and have submitted authority to Lori. I know that she feels the same way. I feel that my wedding ring and what it represents is a part of me and not an add on to make someone see things or feel a certain way. I wear the symbol of authority with honor.

What is your relationship with your spouse? Are you submissive to their authority? What if you were to see and wear your symbol of marriage and authority with honor?

“⁴For the wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does. Likewise the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does.” — 1 Corinthians 7:4 (ESV)

I know, this verse refers to the physical part of a relationship with your spouse. At first glance I would agree. Paul however if referring in this passage (verses 1-16) to the “Principles for Marriage” (ESV). And in that there is the devotion of one spouse to the other and in that devotion, there is a thought for the other as opposed to the self.

When thinking of authority over one another, Paul is not referring to control, but that devotion and submission to each other. Where in the above verse, there is the reference to the physical, there is also the reference to giving of oneself to the other. And in verse 5 below:

“⁵Do not deprive one another, except perhaps by agreement for a limited time, that you may devote yourselves to prayer; but then come together again, so that Satan may not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.” — 1 Corinthians 7:5 (ESV)

we find that one should not deprive one another except in times to devote yourself to God and worship of Him. And, that should only be in agreement between the two of you.

Lori and I have just realized the idea of the empty nest. We find ourselves in the throws of reconnecting as husband and wife and devoting ourselves once again to one another as opposed to splitting that time with our sons. I have to remember that now is the time that I have to provide selfless love and devotion to her and give the authority over me to her knowing that she will use that authority for the extension of our relationship with one another and our relationship with God.

As a human, I resist the idea that someone would have authority over me. I am capable of ruling and controlling my own life. But it is that devotion and care and love of another that make the giving of authority possible. And the giving of the authority to Lori is my act of love to her and the sanctity of our relationship.

What authority do you give to your spouse? Are you able to do so or are you holding on to the authority over yourself in a sheer act of selfishness? What if you would give your devotion to your spouse in the act of love and care and allowing them to have authority over you for the sake of your relationship to them and to God?

“¹Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.” — Romans 13:1 (ESV)

But, what if I do not agree with the authorities, shouldn’t I be able to rebel against them and do my own thing? Well that is a complicated but easy thing to answer. In short NO, we are to subject ourselves to the authorities. They are in authority with the full knowledge of God, and based on the above verse, we are to subject ourselves to them.

But, if you notice and remember, Paul is writing from prison where he has been placed as he was not in agreement with authorities. So there in lies the confusing and complicated part.

We are to subject to authority. We are to do as they have asked, until those things are contrary to the will and works of God. I am to follow man’s law as long as it does not conflict with God’s law, and then I follow God’s law over man’s. I work with others in this world and in those workings will be subject to their authority. I am to abide by that authority. I am to be good in the eyes of God and do as He wishes. Most of the time, that good will cause man to see me as good and subject to their authority. There are times though where I will be contrary to them and in those times I am subject to God’s authority and will have to deal with the consequences of being contrary to man’s authority.

At work, I have authority that I am subject to based on their title and position. I subject myself to their authority and will do as they say, until that is in contrast to what is right based on God’s authority. In those instances, I will do as God has me do and whatever consequences there are from the authority in my work, I am subject to those and will accept them.

Authority is all around and we are subject to that authority. We are to do as we are directed by that authority and remember that God is in full knowledge of those that are in that position. When the direction from the authority is contrary to God’s authority, then we are to follow God and accept the consequences of man.

What authority are you under in your daily life? Are you subject to that authority always? What if you were to be subject to that authority until it was contrary to God’s authority and then follow God’s authority with the full knowledge and acceptance of the consequences for doing so?

I am amazed at the assumed authority that is in the world. The title or position that is held seems to give this sense of entitled “power” over others and situations.

“¹⁰Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own authority, but the Father who dwells in me does his works.” — John 14:10 (ESV)

There is/was even a sense that Jesus was the one with all of the power and authority, and He was sure to point out that even as Christ, He was not alone in authority. It was the Father in Him that held the authority. Jesus would speak and act at the discretion of God in all that He did.

We are all accountable to another, regardless of the title or position held. The only one who acts on and has own authority is God. He is the authority in all things.

We still should submit to those in authority. It is my role to be subordinate to those above me. But, it is also their role to be a servant to me and do the work according to those to which they yield authority (those above them). Those in title or position are to be servants of those beneath them. Jesus washed the feet of the disciples in the upper room to demonstrate His servant-hood to them. He did not shun from the responsibility to care for them even if/when it meant stooping to something that the least of the servants in a household would be the only one to do.

I am a servant of God, regardless of my title or position. It is my duty to serve Him and in doing so serve others. I am no better than those I am in contact with here in this world. I am only a servant of God and shall serve as a servant of others.

How do you act in places where your title or position is above others? Are you one to take advantage of that title or position to exert your authority? What if you were to serve others and not use your title or position?

“⁶In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, ⁷so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” — 1 Peter 1:6-7 (ESV)

I am so joyful that I have Christ to look to. I have been through it and now I can rejoice at the inheritance of heaven.

When I say that I have been through it, I am not indicating that I have been through all of the trials that some others have. In fact, whereas I have had adversity and will continue to, I have not been placed in such a difficult situation that I thought I would not get out, and for that I am thankful to God for delivering me. Even as I have not been through those most difficult trials, it does not mean that my trials were somehow trivial.

Sin is Sin, no matter the depth of it. Trials are trials, no matter the level of difficulty. It is important to remember that the trials each of us experience are something for the person and impact them in different ways. Not having a smartphone would be devastating to some, where others are glad not to have that distraction. No gym present to work out could cause some to have a breakdown whereas others don’t even notice the missing hand weights at the bottom of the stairs. Each has there level of trial that gives them pause and disrupts their joy.

When we have been delivered from our trials, we are free to rejoice in “the revelation of Jesus Christ”. I have Christ to lean on and be joyful in when I have my mind on Him and not on those things that disrupts. I have freedom from the distractions and can deliver myself fully to Christ and rejoice. I have to look harder for those times of joy and rejoicing and walk away from the trials to experience that joy. I have to be focused on God and allow Him to do His work around the trials and know that whatever I am experiencing is of His design and will ultimately allow me to rejoice in His “revelation”.

What trials are holding your back from rejoicing? Are you allowing the circumstances and difficulties in your life to dictate your joy? What if you just allowed God to do His work on those areas and you spent your time rejoicing in “the revelation of Jesus Christ”?

This morning I read in Philippians 4 at the “Exhortation, Encouragement, and Prayer” passage in verses 2-9. As I read and dug into the passage I noticed that with one small exception, the whole of it was fully dedicated to the positive outlook. And, right in the middle is found the verse that brings it all home.

“⁴Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.” — Philippians 4:4 (ESV)

I found it refreshing to not find the adversity, and then how to overcome it. I found the positive and joyful reflection that I should be referring to in my life at all times. I need to be rejoicing in all that comes my way and look for the opportunities to glorify God in them.

I mentioned that there was an exception to the full positive commentary in the passage. In verse 6 there is the quick reference to not being anxious, but then the immediate turn back to prayer and thanksgiving for all that abounds. So really not negative, only the reminder to take everything in stride and drive to the positive relationship with God.

It is our work that gives glory to God and in that work we should be in constant search for the positive and rejoice in that positive and carry it into our full outlook. I am not by nature a positive person. I look for the real in all of it and so this positive outlook is certainly something that I have to look for each day. I have to be searching for it and embracing the opportunities to glorify God at every turn in my life.

What about you and your outlook? Are you looking for the positive in everything and turning it all to the glory of God? What if you were, what would be the potential outcome for doing so?

“¹⁵Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.” — Romans 12:15 (ESV)

I have again went over this verse before. The note I have written is “love all in all situations”. I absolutely agree with that and have studied extensively that very subject in both a biblical and worldly context. This morning I am reviewing and seeing this verse differently as I continue my look into the word “rejoice”.

I see in this verse the concept of not only loving all in all situations, but meeting them where they are and not expecting them to come to me. I have to be ready to go to them and place myself where they are and the situation they are in to demonstrate my understanding and love for them. This is what we know in the world as an empathetic approach.

Empathy is the idea of understanding and demonstrating that understanding by communicating you have walked where they are walking at some point to some degree. The other must know that you have been there and walked in their shoes before. As they know that you understand where they are, they will open to you and accept you into there space. Now I am not saying that you will “win” them over, but you do have the opportunity to reach them as they now believe you are an ally and walk with them as opposed to against them.

Meeting others where they are is the concept of Christ. Remember that Jesus did not plant Himself in Jerusalem and expect that the people come to Him. He went out into the world, to the people, in the church, in the streets, at the well, in the market, and frankly wherever He could to be sure and reach as many as He could. This example is for me. I have to be willing to put myself where the people are and work to reach them in their space. I have to be able to rejoice with them and weep with them. I have to work with them and fellowship with them. I have to find the way to meet the people where they are and demonstrate to them that I have been in their shoes and want nothing more than to comfort and love them, regardless of the situation.

When you are in the world, what is your expectation of meeting people? Are you one that expects others to come to you and meet you in your space at your leisure? What if you were to meet others where they are and demonstrate love for them in all situations?