A rather wise man shared something with us once about the structure of authority which God has designed. There are many claiming to be authorities, but how can we discern between a true authority, and an impostor?

A true authority is there to provide, protect, direct and instruct. GOD is the ultimate authority over all mankind. Like it or not, HE is the one with the ultimate say in everything. Why? because he made it that way. He has more power than any other, you can't hide from Him, and he knows everything. Kind of like parents. Only they are not quite as powerful as GOD, and don't know quite as much. What about governments? are they authorities? Yes...and no. It depends on what they are requiring of you. A legitimate authority is also UNDER authority. This is the way it is designed. Even authorities have authorities. Bosses have bosses. And even kings have a King they must answer to: The KING of KINGS. The President and the Congress have a boss too, although they seem to forget quite often, and some don't know it at all, their boss is the written law- the United States Constitution. If they break the law, they are no longer under it's authority and can be tried and punished for their crime. But it is important to note that it is not there just to punish them, but to direct and guide, instruct, and provide a basis for all other laws.

Sometimes our authorities make errors. I believe that as long as they do not command you to do something unscriptural, then we are to do it. God uses these authorities to guide, teach, and direct us into the paths He would have us walk, even when they seem difficult or impossible.

I also believe that an authority is like an umbrella or shield of protection. If the authority errs, there are holes as it were, in the umbrella.
However, the authority also takes the brunt of the flak from the devil who seeks to steal, kill, and destroy. So the authority must be strong, vigilant, and wise. If he errs, those in his care are going to get hurt, and he will be disciplined by his authority (GOD) for it.

Conversely, those under the protection of authority can move out from under that "umbrella" and get wet. In that case, they take the brunt of it...and often come quickly back! if not, they get hurt.


Think of it like this: We have written laws. If I abide by that law, I am a law abiding citizen and cannot be tried for a crime. If on the other hand, I break the law (get out from under it's protection), I am liable for my crime. Now the enforcer is also under the law. Just like the Centurion who sent for Jesus to heal his daughter said, "I also am a man UNDER authority. I say to this man go, and he goes, and to another, come, and he comes." Jesus said he had not seen so great a faith-not in all Israel.

But if I go and make my own laws up, that is freedom, right? Wrong. Now, I have to justify my actions directly to my Authority. And He loves each of us so much that He is willing and able to discipline to guide, teach, mold, and shape us into a more perfect image of Christ. I don't believe we can really get out of this structure which GOD in love for His children has created. And why would we want to? God has given us some bullet-proof armor to wear, if we don't mind keeping it on. If we take it off, we are in danger of getting hurt or killed. So go put your armor on, get behind that GOD-given shield, and start fighting back against the devil!