When Respect Becomes Worship
Well, now, friend, git to steppin’ right through that ol’ gate. Hurry up the steps and pull yourself right up on this ol’ front porch to rest a minute with me. Even if your day has felt real messy, frustratin’, or tangled up plum like a lil’ ol’ raccoon that went and got its paw stuck in a molasses jar, you’re still mighty welcome here. I’m mighty glad you stopped by. Let’s settle into the rockers, breathe in some of that mountain air, and git to lettin’ God’s Word steady our hearts. Proverbs 24:21, “My child, fear the Lord and the king. Do not associate with rebels, for disaster will hit them suddenly.” That verse sits right beside Romans 13:1, “Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities,” and together they stand like two tall pines holdin’ up the same ridge.
Friend, Scripture makes it about plain as a lil’ ol’ proud rooster crowin’ his heart out at sunrise. God cares about how we treat authority. Proverbs 24:21-22 warns us not to be runnin’ with rebels because trouble comes a whole lot quicker than an ol’ squirrel that misjudged a jump. Romans 13:1-7 reminds us that every authority is downright set in place by God. That there means when we honor leaders, even the ones that make us shake our heads like a confused ol’ possum, we’re really honorin’ the Lord.
Jesus Himself settled the tax debate in Matthew 22:15-22. Folks tried to trap Him like a fox that wandered too close to a henhouse. If He said pay taxes, they would accuse Him of bein’ disloyal to God. If He said don’t pay taxes, they’d run tattlin’ to Caesar. Jesus answered with wisdom that still shines today. “Give Caesar what belongs to Caesar and give God what belongs to God.”
To deepen this truth, let’s tuck in Titus 3:1, which tells us, “Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work.” That verse plum ties the whole message together. Honorin’ authority ain’t about blind agreement. It’s about obedience that springs from a heart that fears God first. When we respect leaders, we show the world that our trust is anchored in the One who appoints them.
Friend, we may not always agree with civil authorities, but 1 Timothy 2:1-2 calls us to pray for them. Every throne on earth is downright occupied by someone under God’s authority. And every believer is called to walk in humility, wisdom, and respect.
Lord, help us honor You by honoring those You place over us. Give us wisdom, patience, and a heart that seeks peace. Teach us to pray for our leaders and trust Your sovereignty. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Well, alright then, friend, I reckon it’s time for you to wander back into your day. Keep your steps mighty steady like a deer that knows every trail in the woods. Keep your words real gentle like a breeze movin’ through tall grass. Be lettin’ your courage rise like an ol’ barn cat that finally figured out it can climb higher than it thought. And know sho’-nuff’ that your trust in God’s authority wil be carryin’ you through whatever comes next on your journey. Now go on and do what you can to make the world a little brighter for others.
With joy,
Gwen
