Honor and Respect

Two Attitudes Towards Authorities

How should Christians treat those in authority? That’s a question I’ve found myself asking my kids when I need them to listen and obey. I ask them, “Who’s the boss?” And they know that the answer is me. I am the boss. Through this question, I am communicating that I am their authority figure. I have a certain control, power, and influence over their life. And they need to listen and obey me.

But what’s not communicated in that question, and this is where it gets tricky, is how they are to listen and obey. For instance, would it be right if they listen, obey, and do what I say – but with a bad attitude? Or talk bad about me behind my back? Would this be right? This question expands beyond children to each one of us. How are we to relate to and have the right attitude towards those in authority? How we relate to authorities, including our attitudes, is actually grounded in our relationship with God.


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