Who's in Charge

AUTHORITY:  The power or right to give orders, make decisions and enforce obedience.
     A person or organization having power or control in a particular, typically political or administrative, sphere. 

Who doesn't like to be in authority?  Have control over people and make sure that things are done YOUR way. Gary and I both used to be managers at McDonald's.  We were both in authority there.  That meant that we had to make sure things got done in a certain way and at the proper time. Be responsible for the people underneath us.  Then when we got home - neither one of us wanted to be in authority. We had had enough of it at work.

But in all honesty, doesn't everyone like the feeling of power you get when you are in charge? Doesn't matter if it's not a major corporation that you have authority over, it could be your classroom, your home, maybe just your car. Whatever it is - it is your responsibility and people have to adhere to your rules on what goes on. No, you may not smoke in my car. Nor may you eat that candy bar - I don't want any chocolate on my seats.  No you may not let the dog in the house, I don't want dog hair everywhere. Get the idea?  It's your way - no questions asked. You are the one in authority. That's my coloring book and I say you cannot color it. End of discussion

Let me ask you this, though; WHO IS YOUR AUTHORITY?  Who do you answer to? Whose rules do you adhere to? 

Yes, everyone has to answer to someone - so who do you answer to?  Someone has to be in charge. Someone has to be in charge of every situation no matter how big or how small.  Someone has to say 'You need to do this.'  One person has to have control; and inevitably someone will question who is in control.  They may something smart-alecky such as 'Who died and put you in charge?' Usually if that happens it means they question why you think you should have control of that situation. 

In the end we will all answer to the same person -- GOD.  He is the one who has final authority over us.  He is the one who has set the rules and guidelines that we are supposed to follow. He gave us the Bible (our rule book, our guideline). He gave us a boss (person in charge, ruler, supervisor - whatever you want to call him) Jesus.  

And don't try to fool yourself - He takes his authority pretty seriously.  He has set out the rules, He expects us to abide by (follow) those rules - no questions asked. One of His rules is; we must share the rules. This means that we need to be telling others. Maybe they didn't see the Rule book. Maybe they did but they have questioned the rules. This is not uncommon to have authority questioned. But if we are followers of Jesus we MUST follow the rules and do as the One in Authority has told us.