Whether you are in a position of authority or not, you will find a quick lesson or more in what you are about to read. The scriptural statements in italics, attached to have been Intentionally left out, no mention of the books, chapters, and verses. That way you will study the word! With that being said, consider all the things that are going on in our world, taking place in our personal neighborhoods and even found happening in many of the most powerful nations on this planet; violent things, things that can be avoided. Interested in knowing how? If so, then I’m sure you appreciate the following lessons and find them appropriate and accurately stated remedies.
Lesson #1: This one is for those in positions of authority, and those who are subjected to such authorities. Saying like I usually talk, “It’s for all of y’all! “In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets.
Lesson #2: This one is for those in positions of authority. Two verses for you! The first verse will promote peaceful interaction, inasmuch as it translates to valuable, key principles of interaction, that were spoken ages ago. They are not new or contemporary principles presented by leadership theorists who claim such to be the originators of the principles, created by their own innovation. The Scriptures, inspired by God, point to the true origin. The Lesson #2: “Then they spoke to him, saying, “If you will be a servant to this people today, and will serve them and grant them their request, and speak pleasant words to them, then they will be your servants always.” The was the advice given by the elders to King Solomon. Unfortunately, he did not take heed to their great advice. What will you do? Whether you are a supervisor, a parent, a patrol officer, a politician, a principle, a person who finally made it to the top, or the one in charge in some capacity, I ask again, “What will you do?” Here is the other verse. Read it carefully, and think about it for a minute. “Then Jesus said to the chief priests and officers of the temple and elders who had come against Him, “Have you come out with swords and clubs as you would against a robber?” Keep in mind, Jesus had already healed the ear of the man whose ear Peter cut off as the Lord was being arrested. Jesus was all about going to the cross in obedience to the Father’s will, and not about starting a knife fight in the Garden of Gethsemane. He was not for starting a revolt, a revolution, an insurrection, or inciting a riot. He was about giving us away to reconcile our relationship with God through His suffering and sacrifice on an old rugged cross. Yes, that was God’s will, and not His own,
Lesson #3: This one is for all of us who at one time or the other must respect authority. Jesus said, “Show Me the coin used for the poll-tax.” And they brought Him a denarius. And He said to them, “Whose image and inscription is this?” They said to Him, “Caesar’s.” Then He said to them, “Then pay to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s; and to God the things that are God’s.” Now if you thought I just had one verse for this lesson, I have a surprise for you. I have a couple of more! Paul wrote the following, as inspired by God, for all Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable! “Every person is to be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God.” I need to add that this is easier to do when “Lessons #1 & #2,” as written above, are followed. Finally when it comes to how we teach our children parents, by word or actions, follow this Old Testament admonition: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and mind and with all your soul and with all your strength [your entire being]. These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be [written] on your heart and mind. You shall teach them diligently to your children [impressing God’s precepts on their minds and penetrating their hearts with His truths] and shall speak of them when you sit in your house and when you walk on the road and when you lie down and when you get up.”
Now that you have these valuable lessons, what are you going to do? Hey! I just had an idea! Why keep this to yourself! Share it with somebody on your email list. Or just make a copy of it and leave it by the coffee counter in your break room. Maybe we can make a difference in a world that is in need of peace, justice, and love. Be blessed!
“All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17 NLT)
Still committed to the climb,
Mark L. King