SEARCHLIGHT
Who do you allow to tell you what is true?
SCRIPTURE
He appointed judges in the land, in each of the fortified cities of Judah. He told them, “Consider carefully what you do, because you are not judging for mere mortals but for the Lord, who is with you whenever you give a verdict. Now let the fear of the Lord be on you. Judge carefully, for, with the Lord our God, there is no injustice or partiality or bribery.… He gave them these orders: “You must serve faithfully and wholeheartedly in the fear of the Lord. In every case that comes before you from your people who live in the cities – whether bloodshed or other concerns of the law, commands, decrees, or regulations – you are to warn them not to sin against the Lord; otherwise, His wrath will come on you and your people. Do this, and you will not sin” 2 Chronicles 19:5-7; 9,10 NIV
SPOTLIGHT
Over the years I have had many spots on my body which I overlooked for a long time. Some people said they were nothing to be concerned about. Then I was sent to a dermatologist who told me that the spots should be removed right away. Who did I listen to? Of course, I heeded the advice of the doctor because he knew more than I did.
You have many authority figures in your life. These are people who tell you what is true and not true, what is right and wrong, and what is needed and not needed. They lead, guide, direct, and make decisions for you. Some of them you can choose and others you have to accept. On one hand, you choose some government leaders but others you don’t. You elect a president or prime minister, but you do not elect police or military. You choose some expert authorities but others you don’t. Doctors, lawyers, plumbers etc. are chosen by what you feel they know and do. You look at their credentials and references. On the other hand, you do not choose your parents, airplane pilot, court judge, or bus driver.
Are you wisely choosing the people who will have authority over you? How do you guard yourself from being “bamboozled” by a person of authority? How do you decide who has the right to tell you about your health? On what basis do you give someone the right to direct you in financial investment? Many people have been duped by financial scammers. Who do you trust to spiritually guide and nurture you? People have been greatly hurt by religious charlatans.
Where can you find someone who will truly help you solve the serious challenges in life? How do you determine if an authority is trustworthy? In the above Scripture focus, Jehoshaphat gave authority to people in order to help him govern. He outlined what they had to do in order to lead, guide, and make decisions for people. Here is where we learn how to carefully choose the people we give authority to. Six unique characteristics are identified which should mark people with authority. These standards go far beyond credentials, competence, education, and experience. You won’t find them in any place but God’s Word, the Bible. So here is the key question. WHO DO YOU ALLOW TO HAVE AUTHORITY OVER YOU? The ideal person with authority should always:
- Carefully consider what is being done. There must never be a nonchalant approach. Every decision must be carefully considered on its own before being rendered. [19:6a]
- Exercise authority to please God and not man. [19:6b] Decisions must be made in accordance with Biblical principles and laws.
- Rely upon God to give him/her wisdom as to how to judge. [19:6c] King Solomon did this. [1 Kings 3:16-28] Knowledge is gained by education, but wisdom comes from God. When the two are blended, people with authority make beneficial decisions for all people.
- Be a person of integrity by reverencing God at all times. [19:7] Exercising Godly authority over people will mean that justice will never be perverted, partiality or favoritism will never be shown, and bribes will never be taken. God never tolerates them.
- Serve wholeheartedly and faithfully. [19:9] Exercising authority requires diligence.
- Warn people not to sin. [19:10] Sin denies truth. Sin makes decisions to please self rather than God and people. People ask what is best for them? People in authority must not be hesitant to identify what sin is and where sin will take a person. This is particularly true for spiritual leaders. [pastors, counselors]
When it comes to deciding who to vote for or choosing a pastor to preach/teach God’s Word, the above list will greatly help you. The people you choose may not meet all the standards but at least you know what makes the best person with authority.
SOMETHING TO DO
One of the great challenges of today is that authorities in society are gradually stripping parents of their authority to raise their children. What does the Bible say about parents raising a family?
SOUL TIME PRAYER
Heavenly Father, thank you that I can trust you with my life. You are true and faithful. When I have the choice, help me to choose people with authority who meet Your standards. AMEN.