The authority of God is often times trampled about or misunderstood by His creation. Today’s situation is much like those in the days of the judges. In the book of Judges, we read, “In those days there was no king in Israel, but every man did that which was right in his own eyes.” (Judg 17:6 ) The days of the judges reminds us of the wild west of our civilization. Today, many still have this same outlook. Many of us want to do what is right in our own eyes instead of looking to anyone with any authority.

David tells us, “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.” (Prov 12:15 ) This verse makes perfect sense. If you need help with your computer, if you are not an authority with computers, you seek counsel. If you need help with your car, if you are not an authority with cars, you seek counsel. For the most part, people understand this. But when it comes to our soul and how we should live, we do what is right in our own hearts instead of looking at someone with authority! Why is this? David says, “All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the Lord weigheth the spirits.” (Prov 16:2 )

God is the Authority. He is the source of all power. “Before the mountains were brought forth, Or ever You had formed the earth and the world, Even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God.” (Ps 90:2) And just as David and Isaiah also said, God has spoken. (Ps 50:1; Isa 1:2 ) He has not left us to fend for ourselves! He has given his word to us, and we can know God’s will through His word. And if we want to receive counsel for our soul, we must consult God’s word.

Attitude is key, and we need to always remember the greatness of God and His authority. David while before all of Israel said, “Wherefore David blessed the Lord before all the congregation: and David said, Blessed be thou, Lord God of Israel our father, for ever and ever. Thine, O Lord, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O Lord, and thou art exalted as head above all. Both riches and honour come of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand is power and might; and in thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all. Now therefore, our God, we thank thee, and praise thy glorious name.” (1 Chron 29:10-13)

Let us also be thankful of God, and let us praise His glorious name by respecting His Authority by keeping His commandments and living according to His statures. If you would like to learn more about God’s authority, let me encourage you to join us in our upcoming gospel meeting. You will be happy you did. It will be a great time for fellowship, singing, and a learning experience for us all.