Obeying Authority

"If you love me, you will obey what I command. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever— the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.

John 14:15-18

When you love someone, like your physical parents, and respect their authority; you will do as you’re told. This doesn’t mean you have to 100% agreed with them but respect their authority to trust they know what they’re talking about. The bible also talks about the faith of the centurion and how he too is a man of authority. Jesus goes on to say how his faith was great because he understood authority and obedience. We know love, obedience & authority is all tied into Jesus’ sacrifice and authority but how well do we practice this truth? We know this teaching need to permeate in and through Christ’s body, His church.

A couple thoughts run through my head as God places this passage in me. I think back to the beginning of my serving under Jerry at Sand Island Frontlines. The guilt that I had in turning down singing that song and getting the lecture on how I need to put my faith into the leadership. I was told that I need to understand that the leadership prayed on it and God gave them that song. It was hard and I struggled with it but ultimately the lesson was received about authority. Now fast forward to my leadership role in Frontlines and how we are told to obey leadership again by simplifying the vocal team. Everyone’s being obedient, following Jerry & Pastor Dom’s leadership and anointing. In my heart I just don’t have a peace with the leadership and we have no voice to change it. So I had to step down & JonK ended up stepping down too. God has anointed them and given them direction; I’m just not a piece of it. So today, I’m in the very initial stages of thinking about Resonate ministry. Chris and I spoke briefly about my passion in small groups. But I’m thinking of how my new understanding of buying in to the leadership and anointing will affect where I serve. I need to allow the Mighty Counselor to reveal the fine details of my design in order to faithfully pursue my calling.

Heavenly Father, it’s all in Your hands! Your authority needs to rule my heart, mind & flesh; help me to seek You out and I pray LORD that You place me where You want me to be. I seek Your Holy Spirit, the Mighty Counselor to make my path clear. In the most beautiful & powerful name of Christ Jesus I pray, Amen!