Submit

“Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.” (Titus 3:1-2 ESV) 

There is a struggle in America, one I do not recall ever seeing this grave. The division between us continues and spreads with every action around us. Our leaders, like children, point fingers, unwilling to take responsibility for anything. It is shameful.

My son, a college athlete, struggles with coaching decisions, and a close friend struggles with a boss. In Paul’s letter to Titus, Paul counsels Titus on all these things. This counsel is so important for Christians today.

Break down the struggles of today and you will find a struggle that has existed all throughout history—inherent sin affecting society. Self-serving leaders, ever-increasing knowledge turning others away from God, pride, ego, and self-indulgence lead to further arrogance in the face of God.

We are rolling into an election. Leave the politics out of this writing. This is about our commands from God. Paul reminds us that no matter who the ruler or governor is, we are to submit to authority and center our meditation on the grace of God. We are encouraged to do “every good work.” It is Paul's theme for this epistle and our theme for life.

As Brother Jimmy quoted not long ago in a post, Proverbs 21 reminds us of God's sovereignty, “The king's heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; he turns it wherever he will. Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the heart. 3 To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.” The Book of Proverbs is believed to have been compiled around 350 B.C. The Epistle to Titus was written around 66 A.D., about 416 years. In those years, nothing about the Israelites, and later, the Christian response to God changed, righteousness, and good works of faith satisfied God. Approximately 1958 years from the date Paul wrote to Titus, the call of the Christian remains the same. This is a clue. Humanity does not change; we are cyclic, sometimes better and sometimes worse. Right now, I think worse.

Do not fret, become depressed, or fear the future. Understand your place before God. Stay fixed on your responsibilities to Him. Be lawful citizens and submit to our leaders. Remember, God put them there for a reason. Even if that reason is to degrade things further. Spread the gospel and help unbelievers see the Lord's glory and sovereignty. Be an example in times of anarchy, even if it results in persecution.

God is sovereign; He already knows how this is all going to end. He knew the ending before the beginning. He planned it. If you read your Bible, you should know as well, so rejoice, do not fear. Fear is a normal emotion, but fear under God's sovereignty, a fear that separates us from God, is sinful. Trust in the Lord.

Peace and Grace!