SCRIPTURE
“All Scripture is God-breathed, and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17
SPOTLIGHT
What authority can you trust in the 21st century? Is there one that is marked by integrity, wisdom, and love?
The word “authority” is one that is greatly liked, or disliked. It simply means that someone, or something, has the power, or right to give orders, make decisions, and enforce obedience. Authority is necessary in order to protect your rights to life, liberty, and property. Those in authority exert control, influence, and direction in order to protect people.
Which authority do you like? Most people prefer to be their own authority. They prefer to live by their decisions and choices. They want to do what is in their best interests, or what makes them feel good. But there are other inescapable authorities in every person’s life. The federal government is the authority that makes you pay taxes so that you are provided with protection and other services. The state and the municipal governments do the same. Then there is the authority given to police, employers, and sports referees. Sometimes you assign short-term authority to a person such as a surgeon.
Sometimes people have a problem with authority. Often the question is asked, “Who is in charge?” Those in authority may say, “I give you my word!” However, there are too many situations where those in authority have disappointed people because they made unwise decisions, bad ones, corrupt ones, and selfish ones. That has often led to people distrust other people in authority. They begin to ask the question, “Why trust their word when their word does not mean anything.” The benefit of living in a democracy is that leaders who have misused their authority can be voted out of power.
The question, “what authority can you trust in the 21st century?” continues to linger until you read 2 Timothy 3:16,17 [see above Scripture]. The Apostle Paul had many authorities in his life, but only one stood out above all of them. Emperor Caesar, the Roman government, a Roman governor like Pilate, Roman soldiers, Jewish Pharisees, and Jewish kings like Agrippa, all had authority over the Apostle, but none of them had his allegiance like the Scriptures. He directed believers to trust the Bible as being God’s written voice of authority to all men. These two verses unlock so many truths. God inspired writers to record His message of guidance, and blessing, to man. It is the highest written authority you can read and obey. It is more authoritative than the Constitution of the United States, or the Declaration of Independence because God “breathed” into writers the words to write.
The Bible was written in a period of over 1600 years, by more than 40 authors, in three different languages, from several different countries, and cultures. The outstanding uniqueness of the Bible is its singular theme. God’s plan of salvation for all people is the continuing message from Genesis to Revelation.
Acknowledge the authority of the Bible in your life. You will never regret it. When God gives His Word, He gives you the inspired, inerrant, infallible Word of God. He keeps His Word. God’s Word works. God’s Word is worth trusting and obeying. Read it, and study it. Meditate on God’s Word. Joshua 1:8 states, “Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” Consume God’s Word. Colossians 3:16 states, “Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach, and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.”
When it comes to choosing your highest authority, you have two choices. You can choose to give allegiance to the world or, God’s Word. The world tells you to be your own authority. God invites you to trust His Word. You will either allow the world, or God’s Word, to tell you how to determine what is true and good. There is only one letter difference between the word “world” and “Word.” It is the letter “L.” May I suggest that the letter “L” stands for “Let.” Let go of making yourself #1 and let God’s Word be your #1 life authority in God’s world.
SOMETHING TO DO
Check out the following Bible verses, and write down what they tell you about why God’s Word should be a believer’s highest authority: Psalm 119:89, 97-105, Isaiah 40:8, Matthew 5:17-19, Romans 15:4, 1 Thessalonians 2:13, 2 Peter 1:20-21.
SOUL TIMER PRAYER
Heavenly Father, I want to Thank You for giving me an authority that is marked by integrity, wisdom, and love. Thank You for the Holy Bible which is Your Voice speaking to me. I invite the Holy Spirit to teach me great truths, and principles from Your Word. Make Your Word relevant to me in the 21st century. AMEN.