A lack of honor, submission and love of those in authority is spreading in the nation—and in the church.

No matter how terribly the policies and character of someone in authority might trouble me, I refuse to lash out, disrespect or defame them. While President Biden and others on the left promoted many egregious mindsets when they were in office, as a follower of Jesus it would be wildly inappropriate and sinful if I were to express myself through personal assaults.

The same is true now, when President Trump is leading our nation. Our words matter.

When he was in office, President Biden was my authority. In fact, he was placed there by God and the way I responded to his placement revealed the condition of my heart. The way we respond to President Trump, ICE, the police, bosses at work, judges and other authorities is equally significant.

Romans 13:1: “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.”

Before you presume that we are only subject to righteous governing authorities, check out what Jesus told Pilate:

John 19:11: Jesus himself acknowledged this when he told Pilate, “You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above.”

Current events have the nation debating the activities of ICE, the police, politicians and other authorities, and it's shameful the way so many are responding. Each of these positions hold God-given authority and our response to them must be honor, respect, love and subjection.

Instead of exhibiting aggression, resistance and employing strategies to make it hard for ICE and the police to do their job, the right response is something altogether different.

We honor them.

We respond with humility.

We comply with every directive unless it's clearly and obviously evil and illegal. (This means clear wickedness, not disputed interpretations of law.)

“Yes, sir,” and “yes, ma'am” should flow from our mouths.

1 Peter 2:17: “Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.”

The spirit of independence that so many are overly proud of in this nation very well might be our downfall. Resistance to authority as we beat our chests and denounce every detractor is a vile trend that's weakening society.

Titus 3:1: “Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good.”

Remember, if we fail to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient and to do whatever is good, severe judgment follows. Romans 13:1-2 makes this clear:

“Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.“

Gossip, slander and other speech that attacks, shames, defames or reveals hatred in our heart is forbidden for Christians. Judgment will be swift.

How should we respond instead? Scripture addresses that as well:

1 Timothy 2:1-2: “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.”

REBELLION IN THE CHURCH

It can be argued that those who are resisting the authority of the police in the streets of our cities are mostly on the left and mostly by those who have not surrendered their lives to Jesus. It would be easy to point the finger toward the other side of the aisle and arrogantly presume we are more righteous.

On the contrary, deep repentance must hit the church due to our resistance of God's ordained leaders. The anti-leadership movement is alive and well among America's Christians.

Hebrews 13:17: “Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you.”

An Absalom spirit has overtaken many who are determined to highlight weaknesses in their leaders. They bring their complaints and ensure they spread far and fast to any who will listen. They spiritualize their “concerns” and put leaders on blast, whether it's in their small circle or on social media for all to see.

2 Samuel 15:6: And Absalom would add, ‘If only I were appointed judge in the land! Then everyone who has a complaint or case could come to me and I would see that they receive justice.

Absalom received the gossip, the complaints and the concerns about their rightful leader David. This was his sin.

Instead of ensuring the work of their leaders are a joy, according to Hebrews, resisters of God-ordained leadership become burdens, distractions and antagonists.

Just as with the police and politicians, God ordains all authority, including pastors and spiritual leaders. Our personal opinions and insights cannot be allowed to bring division to the camp or to threaten the greater mission.

Of course, we will never agree on every point, but we must have the fear of the Lord weighing heavily on us before we presume it's appropriate to spread those disagreements like a virus. Gossip is deadly. Gossip is witchcraft. A group of gossips is nothing less than a coven meeting of people operating in the sin of witchcraft.

1 Samuel 15:23: “For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry…”

The following is from my article, 5 Reasons Not To Leave A Church.

(A reason NOT to leave a church) The leaders aren’t doing things the way most people think they should. Many people believe leaders should make it easy for people to follow them. I disagree. Church leaders are mandated to lead people into some of the most challenging, risky and costly missions the world has ever known. People should actually make it easy for church leaders to lead them.

People made it hard for Moses to lead them into the Promised Land and they died. They made it easy for Joshua to do the same, and they dominated.

It's evident that rebellion, gossip, a lack of honor and an independent spirit are rampant in the church today. It couldn't be clearer and it's deadly both to the church and to those who have been poisoned by their own destructive opinions. (Keep in mind, opinions can be destructive even if they are correct.)

WHAT ABOUT EXTREME SITUATIONS?

I was hesitant to include this final section as it seems obvious that we shouldn't submit to clear and obvious evil. However, whenever I teach on healthy, biblical honor of authorities, this is the accusation that most immediately rises up.

We must understand the difference between our attitude and our actions when presented with commands that would require us to defy clear and obvious scriptures.

If an authority were to command me to cover up theft, for example, my response would be to refuse. My action must align with the Word of God.

However, my attitude must also align with the Word of God. I would honor them, pray for them, refuse to gossip about them and carry the burden of deliverance for them. I would have an assignment to do all I could to campaign for their transformation.

Of course, different situations demand different responses, but the truth about our actions and our attitudes remain.

Matthew 18 protocol may need to be enacted. The step-by-step process must be followed.

Matthew 18:15-17: “If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector.”

In severe situations, when people are in harm's way, our response should be immediate. Help should definitely be sought out and people's well being must be primary. A clear and present danger requires this.

But, again, our attitude and our actions matter. The way we carry our heart is significant. Our intercession is important.

We must ensure we don't become jaded due to the actions of others. If we remain in a place of love and allow the Holy Spirit to guide every step in difficult situations, the life and peace that results will be the strength we need. God's grace is sufficient.

The truth remains, our nation is at risk due to an independent spirit, rebellion and a spirit of witchcraft that has been unleashed as a result.

The same is true in the church. Widespread and immediate repentance must overwhelm us. The Holy Spirit cannot move the way he desires if rebellion, pride and a spirit of independence continues to dominate the way it has been.

Let's lift up our leaders and get ready for a mighty move of God in our nation! We are in desperate times!

PRAYER FOR LEADERS

Today my pastor released the following as part of our twenty-one-day fast. I think it's appropriate given the subject of this article to share it with you:

DAY 2—SPIRITUAL COVERING FOR LEADERS

Scripture: Isaiah 54:17 | Hebrews 13:17 | Ephesians 6:12

Victory Church Family,

Today we stand in the gap for every leader—our pastors, ministry heads, and their families. Leadership carries weight, responsibility, and unseen spiritual warfare.

TODAY WE PRAY:

• Protection over their lives, families, and ministries—no weapon formed against them shall prosper

• Supernatural strength to serve from intimacy with God, not exhaustion

• Wisdom and discernment in every decision

• Joy in their service and covering over their households

Our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers. Let’s contend together in prayer, believing our leaders will finish well with joy and the fullness of God’s favor.

Join us in praying for our leaders today.