Romans 13:1–2      Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. Therefore whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves.
1 Peter 5:5–6          You younger men, likewise, be subject to your (Christian) elders; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE. Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time,
Ephesians 5:21Â Â Â Â Â Â be subject to one another in the fear of Christ.
Hebrews 13:17Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Obey your (Christian) leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with grief, for this would be unprofitable for you.
NASB Translation
Over the years I listened to many sermons, and sat in Bible studies where the Pastor or leader talked about subjection (humbling) myself to God, and others. As I remember it now, the subjection to God came through very clear. Subjecting myself to government, bosses, church leaders, Christian brothers, sisters, and the Pastor was harder to always accept and apply to my life. But as God worked to slowly draw out the old, and put a new heart in me, I was changed. Many things in my character had to be tempered and I hope will be completely removed sooner than later. Subjection to all, required by the Lord in scripture, is plain in many passages throughout the Bible. I realize it is hard to obey these commandments, but they are commandments of God. These days the temptation to join disrespectful actions, and disobedience by others to government leaders, and others, is present almost every day. I receive e-mails and comments belittling church, government, business leaders, and others. It is hard not to jump on the bandwagon, to feed my pride, ego, and self-esteem by belittling others. God is sovereign and has established all human authority over me for my own good. I know there are many things wrong with my government, other leaders, and yes, even me. When I think deeply about it, I realize much good is done also. I can’t do much about their ethics, greed or corruption, but I can do something about how I react toward them. I realize what others do is between them and God, and the same is true for me. Sin is defined in the Bible as disobedience to God, so if I don’t obey what God has ordained, I am sinning. There are great examples of men in the Bible who were leading government officials and still obeyed the Lord, Daniel and Joseph were two of them. Scripture makes it clear, there is only one excuse for not subjecting myself to my government, church leaders, and others. The only reason accepted by God is, if obeying others goes against God’s word.
Lord, please convict and forgive me when I fail to subject myself in a biblical way to civil authority and others.