The Principle of Authority: Understanding how to honor the role God has given parents, church leaders, government and other authorities, and learning how to respond when those above me violate God’s will

By virtue of Who He is as Creator of all things, God is the sovereign Ruler of the universe. He has all power and all authority, and He entrusts roles of leadership and responsibility to individuals in the family, the church, the workplace, and the government. “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation” (Romans 13:1–2).

Everyone must be subject to God-ordained authorities, even the individuals who are in positions of authority themselves (see I Peter 5:5). Each one also is accountable to God for his actions, whether he is in authority over others or in a position under authority.

Throughout the pages of Scripture, principles are contained that provide guidance for our personal lives and relationships. These principles touch on every relational sphere of life, whether it be marriage, family, business, church, or government. All relationships encounter conflict at some point, and if this conflict is not resolved, psychological, spiritual, and even physical damage can result. But when we discover that our conflicts are connected to violations of God’s principles, and we learn to adhere to these principles through the power of the Holy Spirit, a resolution can be experienced that produces peace in our daily interactions. When we learn to see and respond to life’s challenges from God’s viewpoint, and choose His grace over our natural inclination, everything changes!