This post was written by Tacoi Bell of The Anointed Editorial. To connect with Tacoi, see the information in the bio at the end of this post.
Life with Jesus means that we live in submission to the Holy Spirit. We submit ourselves to its leading and guiding as we seek the truth in the Word of God.
We are also subject to the “rulers” over us — whether they be pastors or work bosses. God loves decency, order, and honor. If we call ourselves children of God, he expects that our behavior reflects what he says. If we allow God to “rule” over our lives (because submission to God is a choice), we choose to follow the entire Bible and yield to the leadership of those placed in authority over us.
Instituted by God
Romans 13:1 states,
Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. (ESV)
We understand that Heaven operates as a kingdom with laws, rules, and governing bodies. In some cultures it was even believed that the appointed leader and their lineage were gods themselves.
God speaks government. He understands it because he created it and expects that if his children follow the rules of Heaven, they will also follow the rules of the land.
Rules in the Workplace
About ten years ago, I worked in customer service. A year and a half into my employment with this company, we were pulled into a meeting by all the higher ups of the department to tell us about a new process we were to follow for utilizing our paid time off (PTO).
I did not like the rule and did not necessarily agree with it. However, I chose to trust that those implementing the rule knew better than me, and I held my peace.
More than that, the rule wasn’t leading me away from God. The rule was not leading me to sin. There wasn’t even a moral conflict. I just didn’t want to be held to the new rule.
What should we do in those situations when we don’t like a rule or a law, but there isn’t anything inherently wrong with the rule itself?
The simple answer is honor God through our commitment to follow the rules. If we’re still fruitful where we are, if there’s still opportunity for growth and advancement, it is okay to stay planted.
The One Exception
If we are asked to do something that would lead us away from God, cause us to sin, or put us in direct opposition to God’s word, what do we do?
The Apostle Peter says in Acts 5:29 that we must obey God rather than man. Therefore, in cases where we must choose between God and man, we should always choose God.
This does not always mean that we should leave the place where God has us. We should always seek him to know when a season at a particular job is over (you can read my previous article where I discuss how to know a season at a job is ending). God may want you to stay to help grow you.
Godly Submission in Ungodly Places
Isaiah 50:7 (ESV) reads,
But the Lord God helps me; therefore I have not been disgraced; therefore I have set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be put to shame.
God will not let his children be ashamed to serve him in places where others do not. Consider that the environment is an opportunity to make you more resolute in your desire to be a Christ follower.
Remember that believers carry the ability to shift atmospheres. If you are in an environment that has moved away from submission to God, this is a chance for followers of Christ to take back authority and spread the love of God in the process.
God is aware that environments exist that he has not been invited into. However, if we refuse to get into those places, how will those people ever see the light of Jesus? We can choose to serve God outside of those places but most importantly in them.
Featured photo by Yan Krukov on Pexels; In-text photo by Afif Ramdhasuma on Unsplash
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