Daily Devotional for October 24, 2013

Romans 13:2
So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished.
 
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
 
The quote on my calendar for today said:
A little boy ended a lengthy prayer that had included everyone he could think of by saying: “And dear God, take care of Yourself.  If anything happens to You, we’re all sunk!”
 Whoever this little boy was… he totally “got it!”  I’m reminded of the last time I said night-time prayers with our Timothy, and he said, “God, thank You… for EVERYTHING!”  How is it that little kids understand the omnipotence and authority of God better than we adults?  “Terrible Twos” and an occasional attempt to “test the waters” aside…most children respect authority in general far better than any other age group!
 
As we grow and develop, we become more independent – in both thoughts and actions.  And this is a good thing, for the most part.  But we also seem to grow more rebellious.  Many of us decide that we want to completely control our own destiny… often with disastrous results.
 
I saw a recent news report about motorcyclists who have made a game out of driving recklessly on public streets and highways.  They call themselves “stunters”.  One 33-year-old husband and father of three, who calls himself “Krash” said, “This is my rush.”  When asked about the fact that riding down the highway on one wheel is illegal, he said he didn’t feel like a lawbreaker… that “I believe it can be controlled.”  The reporter asked him what could be done to make him stop, and he said, “… really, nothing.”  Obviously “Krash” has decided that the rules do not apply to him.  He does not respect the laws - or those who enforce them – even at risk of arrest, serious personal injury, or possible death!
 
Where in our daily living are we behaving like “stunters”?  Where have we forgotten that we are sunk without God and His authority and all-powerfulness?  How have we failed to recognize that when we rebel against earthly authority, we are doing the same thing to God?
 
It is time for us to examine our thoughts and actions toward others and determine where we lack respect for them.  We must ask God to show us how change…to develop a new mindset about the influence and mandates of everyone from our parents and teachers to our bosses…our spouses…and our leaders in everything from the community to our nation.  We need to review how we are treating people and property at every “level”.  If we are rebelling against authority – or showing disrespect – we have done the same to God.  Timothy is right… God is in charge of everything. And as the little boy told Him in prayer… if we lose His blessing, we truly are sunk!  Is this a risk you are willing to take?
 
©2013 Debbie Robus

No comments: