I’ll Be Back

Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. Over such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years.
~ Revelation 20:6 (NKJV)

“And he said to him, 'Well done, good servant; because you were faithful in a very little, have authority over ten cities.' ”
~ Luke 19:17 (NKJV)


Jesus described in a parable the day when His servants would give an account of how they used the spiritual riches He entrusted to them while on the earth. He spoke of them being rewarded with charge over cities, and our reign here is also described in Revelation (above and 5:10).

Maybe it’s just me, but the idea of returning to earth and reigning over it doesn’t particularly appeal. Once out of here, why would we want to return, even if the planet is returned to the pristine condition it had at creation?

There is one reason, and one reason only that I will definitely want to be here. This is where my King will be. And once I’m finally united to Him, I want to be wherever He is—even right back here with the rest of you.

Lord Jesus, how hard it is to work through this book and hear of all to come with You when we don’t yet see You! It’s not just about escaping this place, it is desire to be with You. Please increase our patient perseverance. And come quickly, Lord!

I appreciate hearing from you. Questions are welcome. Reply to BuildingHisBody.com comments or e-mail me—my address is
buildingHisbody [plus] @gmail.com.
Copyright 2010, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Image source: christconnection.net

Debt of Love

"The debt of love never diminishes when we pay it."
~ Henry Jacobson

Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law... Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.
~ Romans 13:8,10 (NIV)

"But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles."
~ Matthew 5:39-41 (NIV)

But brother goes to law against brother, and that before unbelievers! Now therefore, it is already an utter failure for you that you go to law against one another. Why do you not rather accept wrong? Why do you not rather let yourselves be cheated?
~ 1 Corinthians 6:6-7 (NKJV)

God's Word is a fascinating study in contrasts.

The Christian life is a balance between Christian liberty which allows us freedom to live free of law, surrender to the lordship of Jesus Christ, and a life best blessed when lived as taught by Jesus, the Word of God made flesh, manifest in principles of the Bible.

Submission to authority is one principle. So is the concept of being willing to suffer for the sake of righteousness. Yet we are not to compel suffering of others, because God expects us to defend the weak from their oppressors—oppressors who are often those in authority.

How do we reconcile all the Bible's contrasts without conflict? What trumps rock-paper-scissors in a three-way contest which comes up tied?

The law of love trumps all.

God has poured out upon us such abundant love that we are forever in love's debt. The commandment "love thy neighbor" doesn't have exemption. We are to love the weak and defend them when it's inconvenient and without payoff, even at the cost of personal sacrifice. We are to love the authority, and not only give in to unreasonable demands (if they do not violate morals), but even "go the second mile." We are to prefer being wronged for the sake of love and unity, rather than raise conflict among Christians.

Christ set the ultimate example of suffering for the sake of righteousness to give us liberty. Among His last prayers was for unity among His followers. He said we'd be known as His by our love.

Liberty and unity and love will never be reconciled with living for Self.

Consider yet another contrast: Salvation was purchased at the highest possible cost and is given as a free gift—but carries an eternal debt of love.

Lord Jesus, Your grace commands our love. We cannot love You too much or follow Your example of love too extremely. Please lead us in Your footsteps.

Contrasting points-of-view, questions and feedback are invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.

Response to Unrighteous Authority

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal,
that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights,
that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.
~ Declaration of Independence

For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil... But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God's minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil.
~ Romans 13:3-4 (NKJV)

Peter and the other apostles replied: "We must obey God rather than men!"
~ Acts 5:29 (NIV)

"The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat. Therefore whatever they tell you to observe, that observe and do, but do not do according to their works ... For they bind heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on men's shoulders ..."
~ Matthew 23:2-4 (NKJV)

With the authority entrusted to rulers comes the power to execute authority, and the responsibility to use that power righteously. Failure to do so inevitably leads to an authority's demise. (Biblical examples abound.)

The founding fathers of the United States unequivocally affirmed in the Declaration of Independence their belief that Great Britain's "absolute Tyranny" compelled a "duty to throw off such government." But they first stated their belief "that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes."

Defiance of authority comes with a cost, and perhaps a penalty. We are wise if when we consider defiance we consider its penalty. Departure is another option, whether departure from a spouse, a local church, an employer—or even government, if one is willing to go into exile. If we prefer departure to defiance, we do well to evaluate not only the cost of broken relationship, but also if the alternative relationship (or lack thereof) really offers greater advantage than escaping whatever we suffer in the present relationship.

When does an authority's abuse of power rise to a level which warrants defiance?

Years ago, before he was my pastor, I heard Dean Stewart teach: "Civil disobedience is justified when government commands what God forbids, or forbids what God commands." He spoke of government authority. I would apply the principle to any authority.

I've observed Christians challenge authority for trivial matters, whether a wife resisting husband, citizen defying civil ordinance, or Church member scoffing at the leadership ordained to shepherd Christ's flock. (Anyone who belongs to Christ is a member of His Church.) Submission can be inconvenient, annoying, and costly. But the Bible says submit to authority, without qualifying "if it suits you to do so."

The other extreme is the belief that you submit to authority at any price. I've known of women taught to allow a husband's abuse in the name of submission. I've observed church elders (none of my present ones) lay heavy burdens upon others which simply could not be borne. We are all witnesses to a government which projects itself as god of provision, protection, and programmed thought—to the point of oppressing the unalienable rights upon which our nation was built.

When does oppression justify opposition? When should a Christian defy authority?

My answer is, "When authority commands what God forbids, or forbids what God commands."

But there is also a trump card to be played. Come back tomorrow.

Lord Jesus, my heart is heavy to think of all the abuse of authority I've witnessed. You've seen infinitely more, and have borne far more grief for it—borne it all the way to the cross. Please enlighten us in how to defend the oppressed, as well as how to uphold authority, and thus honor You.

Contrasting points-of-view, questions and feedback are invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.

Authority: Liberty, Equality, Stewardship

"When we do our duty, not for duty's sake, but because we believe
that God is engineering our circumstances in that way, then at the
very point of our obedience the whole superb grace of God is ours."
~ Oswald Chambers

Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves.
~ Romans 13:2 (NKJV)

I do not permit a woman to instruct, nor to have dominion over a man, but to be in quietness.
~ 1 Timothy 2:12 (author)

Yesterday I waded. Today I'll go up to my neck and tackle women in authority and Christians in politics.

I served as a police officer for five years in the 80's. I also served as a "deaconess" in an elder function during the 90's in an aging church short on both male leadership and mature leadership. (I'd been following the Lord a scant 3 years when asked to serve.)

Now having better understanding of biblical principles, I consider neither position God's ideal, and don't recommend them to women. I don't believe armed combat—whether military or civilian—is the design for women by their Creator. And Paul teaches the wise principle that women not be placed in a position of instructing men what to do. (That qualified, I'll mention that I don't believe "instruction" includes the sharing of information and insight. I accept these from men who have no authority over me, and share them with men and women alike over whom I assume no authority. I try to keep a quiet spirit in doing so—unless I speak to an audience of women and turn on the preaching.)

Women are in no way inferior. Scripture emphasizes their equality to men. Though women are not to have dominion over their husbands, they are invaluable in key leadership positions. If a woman is in a position of authority, any man subordinate to her does well to respect her. Such a role hardly qualifies as immorality, nor does it undermine truths vital to salvation. God still uses His people wherever they are. The Bible simply establishes an order of men having authority over women, and life is best blessed when lived with the Lord's guidance.

One greater appreciates authority if it is seen as ordained by God. I thoroughly appreciate from police work the order inherent to authority. With rank came not superiority as a person, but the responsibility for decisions. Everyone is vital to an operation. Subordinates supply information and then obey without hesitation, or order collapses. Barring gross misconduct, they have in obedience liberty from liability—as do subordinates elsewhere.

If government is authority ordained by God, why shouldn't Christians serve there, without suffering the accusation that they fail to "separate church and state"? Where more than government does God need His light? Has He not always held rulers accountable to Himself for righteousness? If He entrusts to a Christian a position of government authority—and when Christians are entrusted with the right to vote—good stewardship exercises that trust for Him.

The Lord gives His children broad liberty to live out their faith. And His Holy Spirit draws us ever closer to His ideals, even as He guides us in that liberty, in equality, and in stewardship.

Father, I've done my best to communicate truth here according to Your Word, and as You've played it out in my life through Your Spirit. Please let my words be received with grace. Please make clear to each of us the way You'd have us live out Your Word and submit to authority.

Contrasting points-of-view, questions and feedback are invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.

Submission to Authority

"The law was made for man and not man for the law ...
government is the servant of the people, not their master."
~ John D. Rockefeller Jr.

Submission to Authority

Let every soul be subject to the higher [huperecho] authorities. For there is no authority but of God; the authorities that exist are ordained by God... a servant of God to you for good.
~ Romans 13:1,4 (MKJV)

And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. Be at peace among yourselves.
~ 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 (NKJV)

I'd planned a one-day glance at Romans 13. But prayer changes many things. Shall we lay aside the thought that religion and politics don’t mix and wade on in?

I’ll first acknowledge my awareness that some say Romans 13:1 applies only to church authorities, and others apply the text to government exclusively while shunning authority of church leaders placed over us. (It seems we're always looking for a way to evade authority.)

The Greek word huperecho, often translated "governing," literally means "higher or superior." Later in the passage Paul includes the government authorities who collect taxes, and the Bible makes clear elsewhere the authority of church elders—as well as the authority of a man over his wife. (Authority of a master or employer over a servant or employee seems to be a given.)

So in discussing principles of authority, the realms included here will be:
Government
Church (and Workplace)
Home

Authority exists to serve as God’s minister—for our good. Government exists to serve and protect its people. Church leaders are to care for the flock in the sacrificial example of the Good Shepherd. Husbands are to give themselves up for their wives as Christ did for His bride the church, and fathers are not to provoke their children to wrath. In all realms (including business), authorities have a critical responsibility to raise up new leaders.

The next few days will look at: 1) stewardship, liberty, and equality in authority; 2) response to unrighteous authority; and 3) what trumps authority.

Father, how grateful we are for You as the ultimate authority—all powerful, all knowing, all loving. Please guide our understanding of the authority You ordain as ministers for our good. Please lead us in righteous exercise of authority and proper submission to authority.

BTW (by the way)—I've been honored with a guest blogger spot today by my Favorite Fish, Shark Bait. Stop by his delightful sea haven for some Real Love from me, and don't hestitate to leave a comment saying that Faithful In Serving HIM (FISH) is what you want to be, too.

Contrasting points-of-view, questions and feedback are invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.