Lord, Change My Attitude_ Before Its Too Late Part 12

WHERE HAVE ALL THE LEADERS GONE?.

Before we see how G.o.d judges them, let me make this point: One of the consequences of rebellion is leadership withdrawal. leadership withdrawal. G.o.d commanded Moses and Aaron, the elders of the nation, to pull back: "Separate yourselves," he said. Often people wonder why those in authority seem to have little interest in them. This could be one of the reasons. If you are continuously difficult to lead, leaders will often pull back and not lead you anymore. In every sphere-in the home, in the church, in the marketplace-if you become difficult to lead, leaders will pull back from you. That can make your life very lonely and unprotected, kind of like a wilderness. G.o.d commanded Moses and Aaron, the elders of the nation, to pull back: "Separate yourselves," he said. Often people wonder why those in authority seem to have little interest in them. This could be one of the reasons. If you are continuously difficult to lead, leaders will often pull back and not lead you anymore. In every sphere-in the home, in the church, in the marketplace-if you become difficult to lead, leaders will pull back from you. That can make your life very lonely and unprotected, kind of like a wilderness.

I first heard Bill Gothard, founder of the Inst.i.tute of Basic Life Principles, teach that authority is like an umbrella. It's a protection. There are a lot of hurtful things in this world, and G.o.d allows some of them into our lives. But G.o.d also protects us from many of the things that would injure us by placing us under authority. Now no authority is perfect, but the powers that be are ordained of G.o.d. Unless they're asking you to sin, you need to do the things that you're asked to do. When you choose not to do that, you place yourself in a position of great risk. Those under proper authority can count on safety; Those out from under authority can count on danger.

I'm amazed at how many people's lives are nothing more than the sum total of the decisions that they've made to get out from under worthy authority-bad choices and the consequences that follow, often for the rest of their lives.

I often remind the young people at Harvest to stay under the authority of their parents. They need to embrace the protection that G.o.d has provided. The vast majority of the young people I know have parents who love them and are giving themselves for their kids. Unless what their parents are telling them to do is sin, unless they are deeply wounding and injuring them, those students would be wise to obey and honor their parents.

Whether you are a teen or an employee, it's better to submit to authorities-even when you don't understand all their reasons-than to go your own way and maybe make a decision that you will regret for the rest of your life. When young people, wives, or employees, or anyone under authority chooseo rebel and become difficult to lead, they will eventually reap the consequence of leadership withdrawal.

ANOTHER CONSEQUENCE OF REBELLION.

Imagine the tension as the showdown began. Moses warned "the congregation, saying, 'Depart now from the tents of these wicked men, and touch nothing that belongs to them, or you will be swept away in all their sin'" "the congregation, saying, 'Depart now from the tents of these wicked men, and touch nothing that belongs to them, or you will be swept away in all their sin'" (verse 26). The people did so, and then the Scripture indicates, (verse 26). The people did so, and then the Scripture indicates, "Dathan and Abiram came out and stood at the doorway of their tents, along with their wives and their sons and their little ones" "Dathan and Abiram came out and stood at the doorway of their tents, along with their wives and their sons and their little ones" (verse 27). At least three generations were standing there, including grandchildren. (verse 27). At least three generations were standing there, including grandchildren.

Moments later, the ground opened up, and they fell straight down into h.e.l.l-not just Korah and all those men-but other innocents with them. Later in Numbers we learn that Korah's children did not die (26:11), but there is not mention of any of the other children, let alone wives and other relatives-all innocent but swept away in G.o.d's judgment upon the rebels. You say, "That's terrible!"

You're right; it is.

Rebellion not only results in leadership withdrawal; it creates a situation where innocent people are injured. innocent people are injured. And that And that is is terrible-the terrible second consequence of rebellion. Korah led an insurrection out from under Moses' authority, but he couldn't provide for or protect those who followed him. Korah said, "Hey, you all, come with me! We know what we're doing! Come on, everybody!" But in the end he only led them into a deep hole in the ground that became their grave. Be careful about joining a rebellion. Korah led his rebels to a place where he couldn't protect them. When rebellion is pursued, innocent people always suffer. terrible-the terrible second consequence of rebellion. Korah led an insurrection out from under Moses' authority, but he couldn't provide for or protect those who followed him. Korah said, "Hey, you all, come with me! We know what we're doing! Come on, everybody!" But in the end he only led them into a deep hole in the ground that became their grave. Be careful about joining a rebellion. Korah led his rebels to a place where he couldn't protect them. When rebellion is pursued, innocent people always suffer.

REBELLION WILL BE JUDGED.

The third consequence of rebellion is that the guilty will be condemned. guilty will be condemned. Moses explained as everyone watched, Moses explained as everyone watched, "By this you shall know that the Lord has sent me to do all these deeds; for this is not my doing. If these men die the death of all men, or if they suffer the fate of all men, then the Lord has not sent me. But if the Lord brings about an entirely new thing and the ground opens its mouth and swallows them up with all that is theirs, and they descend alive into Sheol, then you will understand that these men have spurned the Lord." As he finished speaking all these words, that the ground that was under them split open; and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them up, and their households, and all the men who belonged to Korah with their possessions. So they and all that belonged to them went down alive to Sheol; and the earth closed over them, and they perished from the midst of the a.s.sembly. And all Israel who were around them fled at their outcry, for they said, "The earth may swallow us up!" Fire also came forth from the Lord and consumed the two hundred and fifty men who were offering the incense. (verses 2835) "By this you shall know that the Lord has sent me to do all these deeds; for this is not my doing. If these men die the death of all men, or if they suffer the fate of all men, then the Lord has not sent me. But if the Lord brings about an entirely new thing and the ground opens its mouth and swallows them up with all that is theirs, and they descend alive into Sheol, then you will understand that these men have spurned the Lord." As he finished speaking all these words, that the ground that was under them split open; and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them up, and their households, and all the men who belonged to Korah with their possessions. So they and all that belonged to them went down alive to Sheol; and the earth closed over them, and they perished from the midst of the a.s.sembly. And all Israel who were around them fled at their outcry, for they said, "The earth may swallow us up!" Fire also came forth from the Lord and consumed the two hundred and fifty men who were offering the incense. (verses 2835) When it was too late, the judgment was shocking and swift.

"Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 'Say to Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, that he shall take up the censers out of the midst of the blaze'" (verses 3637). G.o.d then gave the direction to pound the metal from the censers into thin sheets and nail them in place on the tabernacle altar as a reminder of the lesson that they had learned. (verses 3637). G.o.d then gave the direction to pound the metal from the censers into thin sheets and nail them in place on the tabernacle altar as a reminder of the lesson that they had learned.

The rebels were judged for their rebellion. They could have given a lot of excuses, but it was too late for excuses. G.o.d condemned their rebellion.

A SPREADING INFECTION.

Here's the last consequence: The infection spread. The infection spread. Hebrews 12:15 points out that Hebrews 12:15 points out that a root of bitterness will defile many people. a root of bitterness will defile many people. Rebellion is like spiritual ADS: It spreads rapidly and can infect many people. Rebellion is like spiritual ADS: It spreads rapidly and can infect many people.

Notice verse 41: "But on the next day all the congregation of the sons of Israel grumbled against Moses and Aaron, saying, 'You were the ones who have caused the death of the Lord's people.'" "But on the next day all the congregation of the sons of Israel grumbled against Moses and Aaron, saying, 'You were the ones who have caused the death of the Lord's people.'" The rebels died; the infection lived on. You say, "Do you mean they saw those people fall down in the depths of the earth-a divine act for sure-and the very next day they were complaining against the person who said, 'this is not my doing'? No way!" Way! I know. I've seen it. I've seen the exact thing happen in my lifetime. The rebels died; the infection lived on. You say, "Do you mean they saw those people fall down in the depths of the earth-a divine act for sure-and the very next day they were complaining against the person who said, 'this is not my doing'? No way!" Way! I know. I've seen it. I've seen the exact thing happen in my lifetime.

Good people, wonderful people, become bent because they started listening to a rebel. Rebellion is a contagious disease.

There is a final biblical truth about rebellion.

Rebellion is ultimately against G.o.d.

Make no mistake about it: Rebellion is ultimately against G.o.d. You can't miss that here. Verse 30 clearly indicates they rebelled against the Lord, but the key verse is verse 11, which says, "'Therefore you and all your company are gathered together against the Lord.'" "'Therefore you and all your company are gathered together against the Lord.'"

G.o.d didn't see this as a rebellion against Moses. If He's the One who puts the person in authority, rejecting the authority is rejecting G.o.d. That's why He takes it so seriously.

If the powers that be are ordained of G.o.d, then to resist and rebel against the established authorities is to resist and rebel against G.o.d. "G.o.d, You don't know what You're doing. He shouldn't be in charge. Why do I have to do what she says?" That's ultimately a rejection of G.o.d, and it brings huge consequences for our lives.

UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL.

I had a lengthy story written here, but I am going to save my personal disclosure for the next chapter. Suffice it to say that rebellion is something that G.o.d has done a lot of work on in me. I have been through many painful seasons of growth and change as I make progress in this wilderness att.i.tude, which has at times been deeply rooted in my human heart. Much more on that in chapter 10.

LET'S TALK SOLUTION Maybe you clearly recognize the sin and dangerous consequences of having a rebellious att.i.tude. The tragic end of Korah and his company is a warning you want to heed, and you wonder, "How much am I a rebel, and how can I abandon this wilderness att.i.tude?" Here are three sets of questions to ask that will help you do both.

1. Am I a rebel? Am I a rebel? Don't answer this question without praying about it first. Ask the Lord to bring to your mind the faces of specific people whose rightful authority you have resisted. Invite the Holy Spirit to examine each of the relationships in your life: family, marriage, work, the body of Christ. Are you playing the rebel's role in any of those places? This ought to be a prayer with fear and trembling. The example of Korah in your mind should be enough to help you see how close rebellion comes to inviting destruction. Remember that every instance of rebellion toward a human authority is also an att.i.tude of rebellion against G.o.d. Don't answer this question without praying about it first. Ask the Lord to bring to your mind the faces of specific people whose rightful authority you have resisted. Invite the Holy Spirit to examine each of the relationships in your life: family, marriage, work, the body of Christ. Are you playing the rebel's role in any of those places? This ought to be a prayer with fear and trembling. The example of Korah in your mind should be enough to help you see how close rebellion comes to inviting destruction. Remember that every instance of rebellion toward a human authority is also an att.i.tude of rebellion against G.o.d.

2. Am I reaping the consequences in my relationship with G.o.d? Am I reaping the consequences in my relationship with G.o.d? Have you realized reading this chapter that your heart has been like a wilderness because your life has the undeniable symptoms of rebellion? Could you prove your persistent rebellion with specific stories from your life? Those memories are G.o.d's gift to help you put off that att.i.tude. Let the weight of the garbage that our rebellion creates motivate us to put it off. Have you realized reading this chapter that your heart has been like a wilderness because your life has the undeniable symptoms of rebellion? Could you prove your persistent rebellion with specific stories from your life? Those memories are G.o.d's gift to help you put off that att.i.tude. Let the weight of the garbage that our rebellion creates motivate us to put it off.

3. Am I willing to repent? Am I willing to repent? Again, the key in all of this is a willingness to repent. A recognition of where your sin has taken you and a free admission of responsibility is where the transformation always begins. Agree it is sin, and tell G.o.d wish to turn from it. He will quickly grant His forgiveness. When the vertical work is done, it's time to get to work on the horizontal. In fact, doing the work with G.o.d sincerely automatically produces a desire to make things right with the people our rebellion has affected. The relationships G.o.d brought to your mind above need healing. In most cases, that will have to start when you confess and ask for forgiveness. I know that will be hard for you, but it will help you entrench your decision to go in a new direction. Again, the key in all of this is a willingness to repent. A recognition of where your sin has taken you and a free admission of responsibility is where the transformation always begins. Agree it is sin, and tell G.o.d wish to turn from it. He will quickly grant His forgiveness. When the vertical work is done, it's time to get to work on the horizontal. In fact, doing the work with G.o.d sincerely automatically produces a desire to make things right with the people our rebellion has affected. The relationships G.o.d brought to your mind above need healing. In most cases, that will have to start when you confess and ask for forgiveness. I know that will be hard for you, but it will help you entrench your decision to go in a new direction.

Take some time to read the next chapter as you prepare for those conversations, because you need to have a clear understanding of submission as you approach the authorities that G.o.d has placed in your life.

Look Up Lord, I understand that rebellion is easy; humility and submission are very hard. I want to take the hard way because it's the best way, and it's Your way. Lord, please forgive all of my rationalizations.

In the relationships where I'm wrong, Lord, bring the face of that person to mind in this moment that I might acknowledge my sin and turn from it. Especially in my church, Lord, if I've resisted the counsel of a leader or made some wrong decisions and pulled back, or even partic.i.p.ated in rebellious conversations, forgive me. Create in me a clean, submissive heart, oh, G.o.d! Teach me, Lord, what joy You have in humility and gracious submissive att.i.tudes.

Lord, as I read the next chapter on submission, help me put off this heavy load of rebellion and put on the light load of submission. I believe that this is the road to joy and peace, and I choose to pursue it for Your glory, in Jesus' name. Amen.

CHAPTER 10:.

...WITH AN ATt.i.tUDE OF SUBMISSION.

1 PETER 2:1325 SAY IT IN A SENTENCE: SAY IT IN A SENTENCE:.

Submission, when properly understood and applied, replaces the pain and strife of rebellion and greatly increases human happiness.

We're all natural-born rebels, so we have a built-in resistance to submission. On top of that, submission has been hijacked by some selfish-minded, even cruel, authoritarians who have twisted and distorted the truth for their own purposes. Submission has a terrible reputation right now, so it's hard to get even sincere people to consider it seriously.

In the next few pages, open your mind in a fresh new way and think, "Well, maybe what I've heard about submission isn't really what G.o.d's Word says. Maybe there is more treasure to be discovered in that word submission submission that I ever thought." We don't want to abandon a subject that's in G.o.d's Word simply because it's been misunderstood and misused. If you read on with an open mind, you will see that submission, when properly understood and applied, replaces the pain and strife of rebellion and greatly increases human happiness. that I ever thought." We don't want to abandon a subject that's in G.o.d's Word simply because it's been misunderstood and misused. If you read on with an open mind, you will see that submission, when properly understood and applied, replaces the pain and strife of rebellion and greatly increases human happiness.

One crucial truth to learn before we get into our main text in 1 Peter 2: Submission is not just for a few people.

Romans 13:1 makes it very clear that "every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities . . . established by G.o.d." "every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities . . . established by G.o.d." Every single believer is to be practicing, on a regular basis, the principle of submission. It's not just for children; it's also for parents. It's not just for church members; it's for pastors. It's for everyone. In fact, Ephesians 5:21 says, Every single believer is to be practicing, on a regular basis, the principle of submission. It's not just for children; it's also for parents. It's not just for church members; it's for pastors. It's for everyone. In fact, Ephesians 5:21 says, "Be subject to one another in the fear of Christ." "Be subject to one another in the fear of Christ." So before we're ever asking wives, children, employees, or church members to submit, we're to be submissive-all of us-to one another. The apostle Peter gave five principles on submission in his first epistle. Thefive truths in 1 Peter 2:1325 will guide and encourage you as you replace a rebellious att.i.tude with a submissive one. It's the final step in putting off wilderness att.i.tudes. You've done well to make it this far, so let's finish the task. So before we're ever asking wives, children, employees, or church members to submit, we're to be submissive-all of us-to one another. The apostle Peter gave five principles on submission in his first epistle. Thefive truths in 1 Peter 2:1325 will guide and encourage you as you replace a rebellious att.i.tude with a submissive one. It's the final step in putting off wilderness att.i.tudes. You've done well to make it this far, so let's finish the task.

PRINCIPLE ONE: SUBMISSION IS DUTY TO G.o.d.

First, submission is duty to G.o.d. submission is duty to G.o.d. That's really the focus point: G.o.d is the One to whom we're submitting. As verses 13 and 14 say, That's really the focus point: G.o.d is the One to whom we're submitting. As verses 13 and 14 say, "Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every human inst.i.tution, whether to a king as the one in authority, or to governors as sent by him." "Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every human inst.i.tution, whether to a king as the one in authority, or to governors as sent by him."

Submit is a military term that means "to place yourself in order under established authority." It means "to operate within the chain of command." Notice the word is a military term that means "to place yourself in order under established authority." It means "to operate within the chain of command." Notice the word yourselves yourselves in verse 13. You might circle that if you're looking carefully at your own Bible. No one is to force you to submit; G.o.d's Word says "submit yourselves." in verse 13. You might circle that if you're looking carefully at your own Bible. No one is to force you to submit; G.o.d's Word says "submit yourselves."

Don't miss the principle Peter was applying: Forced submission from the top down is not taught anywhere in the Bible. Nowhere do we see the person in authority demanding, "You submit to me!" The person in authority does not command command submission. A leader receives that from those under his or her authority. That leader is called to win the favor of those who are under him through serving and selflessness. That's servant leadership. submission. A leader receives that from those under his or her authority. That leader is called to win the favor of those who are under him through serving and selflessness. That's servant leadership.

Submission is a choice-not top down, but bottom up.

If you're in a role where you need to submit, that's a choice of heart that G.o.d asks you to willingly make, for His sake. Husbands are not to be demanding that their wives submit. Pastors are not to be demanding that their people submit but lovingly serving and giving themselves to them. A G.o.dly response to that servant leadership is the choice of submission.

You ask, "Well, who exactly is supposed to be doing the submitting? Who exactly am I supposed to be under?" Actually, it's quite a list. Let's skim through the end of 1 Peter 2 and into 1 Peter 3. Verses 13 and 14 say we are to submit "to every human inst.i.tution, whether to a king as the one in authority, or to governors as sent by [the king]" "to every human inst.i.tution, whether to a king as the one in authority, or to governors as sent by [the king]" (and ultimately sent by the King of Kings). Verse 17 tells us to (and ultimately sent by the King of Kings). Verse 17 tells us to "honor all people." "honor all people." Verse 18 says, Verse 18 says, "Servants, be submissive to your masters." "Servants, be submissive to your masters." The modern context of that is the marketplace. Do what your boss asks or tells you to do, even if he's not a very good boss. The modern context of that is the marketplace. Do what your boss asks or tells you to do, even if he's not a very good boss.

Further on, 1 Peter 3:1 says, "In the same way . . ." "In the same way . . ." In what way? In the same submissive way that we've been talking about. Concerning the home, Peter writes, In what way? In the same submissive way that we've been talking about. Concerning the home, Peter writes, "In the same way, you wives, be submissive to your own husbands." "In the same way, you wives, be submissive to your own husbands." Now men seem to get that verse down but then they miss verse 7, which says, Now men seem to get that verse down but then they miss verse 7, which says, "You husbands in the same way ..." "You husbands in the same way ..." In what way? In the submissive way that's being talked about: In what way? In the submissive way that's being talked about: "In the same way, live with your wives in an understanding way." Verse 8 sums up the thought, Verse 8 sums up the thought, "All of you be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and humble in spirit." "All of you be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and humble in spirit." In a word, In a word, submissive- submissive- finding your place of humility and cooperation under the influence of others. finding your place of humility and cooperation under the influence of others.

But notice the key phrase back in 2:13, "Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every human inst.i.tution." "Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every human inst.i.tution." We submit for the We submit for the Lord's Lord's sake. Our true citizenship is in heaven, but G.o.d is trying to get some things done in this world. Everyone who resists the established authorities is resisting G.o.d. Everyone who submits to the established authorities-whether they're right or wrong; whether one agrees or not-is a.s.sisting with what G.o.d is trying to accomplishn this world. sake. Our true citizenship is in heaven, but G.o.d is trying to get some things done in this world. Everyone who resists the established authorities is resisting G.o.d. Everyone who submits to the established authorities-whether they're right or wrong; whether one agrees or not-is a.s.sisting with what G.o.d is trying to accomplishn this world.

The problem is with that "for the Lord's sake." I don't think I've met a Christian who, if Jesus Christ were to walk up and to stand before him in all of His glory and ask, "Could you do this for Me?" would hesitate. He would say, "Not a problem. Let me get that done right now. Let me spend the rest of my life getting that done for You!"

The problem is that it's not the Lord we see. He's behind the scenes. The ones we see-our boss, our parents, our elders-are humans. They're frail, not perfect. So we use the imperfections of human authorities to dismiss our responsibility to be submissive. Our att.i.tude is not right, and G.o.d doesn't bless it. That's why this text says, "Submit for the Lord's sake."

We see the speed limits posted and think how unfair they are. We conclude, "Well, the police don't even obey the speed limits. When I drive the speed limit, I have police cars pa.s.sing me. They They don't obey the speed limits, so don't obey the speed limits, so I'm I'm not going to obey them, either!" As my wife often reminds me, that excuse doesn't work, especially with officers who have pulled me over. We are to submit, not because of the people we see with all of their inconsistencies, but for the Lord's sake. not going to obey them, either!" As my wife often reminds me, that excuse doesn't work, especially with officers who have pulled me over. We are to submit, not because of the people we see with all of their inconsistencies, but for the Lord's sake.

Your boss seems unfair and demanding. Maybe she's easy on herself and hard on you. She leaves early, but she expects you to work late. You know know that's not right. So you decide, "Once she's gone, I'm going to leave, too. I'm going to take matters into my own hands. I'm not going to be submissive." That's a mistake, because the One whom you're really refusing to submit to is not your boss, but the Lord. You're saying, "G.o.d, I won't that's not right. So you decide, "Once she's gone, I'm going to leave, too. I'm going to take matters into my own hands. I'm not going to be submissive." That's a mistake, because the One whom you're really refusing to submit to is not your boss, but the Lord. You're saying, "G.o.d, I won't do do what You want me to do." That's a very bad decision. We submit for the Lord's sake, not the boss's. what You want me to do." That's a very bad decision. We submit for the Lord's sake, not the boss's.

PRINCIPLE TWO : SUBMISSION IS PROTECTION BY G.o.d.

Here's the second principle: Submission is protection by G.o.d. Submission is protection by G.o.d. Notice verse 14: These Notice verse 14: These "governors [are] sent . . . for the punishment of evildoers and the praise of those who do right." "governors [are] sent . . . for the punishment of evildoers and the praise of those who do right." What a phenomenal statement about our judicial system! If only our government would turn to G.o.d's Word, how much they could understand! What is the purpose of a judicial system? The Scripture indicates it is to punish wrongdoers and honor "those who do right." Did you know that the escalating crime in our society over the last fifty years is almost directly related to the decision our government made to move away from a punitive judicial system and toward a rehabilitative judicial system? Instead of seeing criminals as wrongdoers who should be punished, we now see them as sick people who need help. Of course, criminals should be helped and treated with respect, but above all, G.o.d's Word says they are to serve time for their crimes. What a phenomenal statement about our judicial system! If only our government would turn to G.o.d's Word, how much they could understand! What is the purpose of a judicial system? The Scripture indicates it is to punish wrongdoers and honor "those who do right." Did you know that the escalating crime in our society over the last fifty years is almost directly related to the decision our government made to move away from a punitive judicial system and toward a rehabilitative judicial system? Instead of seeing criminals as wrongdoers who should be punished, we now see them as sick people who need help. Of course, criminals should be helped and treated with respect, but above all, G.o.d's Word says they are to serve time for their crimes.

Part of G.o.d's purpose for authority is to "praise . . . those who do right." Blessing and favor come to the person who lives in submission. Why? "For such is the will of G.o.d" "For such is the will of G.o.d" (verse 15). G.o.d's will is for us to display lives of submission, not of rebellion against authority. Do you think G.o.d isn't watching? He is. When recognized authority makes a decision and you don't like the choices that they're making, G.o.d is very aware of how you respond. G.o.d's will is (verse 15). G.o.d's will is for us to display lives of submission, not of rebellion against authority. Do you think G.o.d isn't watching? He is. When recognized authority makes a decision and you don't like the choices that they're making, G.o.d is very aware of how you respond. G.o.d's will is "that by doing right you may silence the ignorance of foolish men" "that by doing right you may silence the ignorance of foolish men" (verse 15). Yes, (verse 15). Yes, People in authority can be foolish. But G.o.d's desired response from us is "doing right."

Are you in a situation where you're being unfairly treated? Do right and silence the ignorance of foolish men. That word silence silence actually means actually means to muzzle. to muzzle. You say, "There are some people I would You say, "There are some people I would love love to muzzle." Great! G.o.d's all for putting a muzzle on them. But you have to know how to get that done. It's by doing right, trusting G.o.d, waiting upon Him, and living a life of biblical submission. to muzzle." Great! G.o.d's all for putting a muzzle on them. But you have to know how to get that done. It's by doing right, trusting G.o.d, waiting upon Him, and living a life of biblical submission.

We are to "do right" no matter what.

-- Are you struggling with injustice? Do right and silence the ignorance of foolish men.

-- Have you been pa.s.sed over for a promotion at work, something you deserved and should have gotten? You're angry about it. It's not right and it's so political. What should you do? Do right and silence the ignorance of foolish men.

-- Has someone turned against you in a relationship and injured you? Do right and silence the ignorance of foolish men.

-- Have you experienced a marriage breakdown and people think they understand what happened? Even though you know what really happened, maybe people have harsh opinions of you, and now you're reaping the consequences of all of that. You say, "How do I get out of this? I have to defend myself!" Do what's right and silence the ignorance of foolish men. Whether you've been maligned or rejected or ignored, do right and silence the ignorance of foolish men. As I explained in the last chapter, submission to authority is like having an umbrella. When we choose to submit, what we're really choosing to do is to put ourselves under G.o.d's protection. That is a wonderful place to live your life. You might feel like there are some bad things that are falling, but submission is a covering. It's your place of protection. When you get out from under that, you are very vulnerable. The promises of G.o.d do not extend to you when you choose to live as a rebel. However, when you choose to live under the umbrella of G.o.d's protection by submitting to His plans and doing what's right, all the promises and blessings of G.o.d are yours in abundance.

The choice between submission and rebellion affects every part of life. Think about this little list of contrasts: Protection Submission Humility Love ("You before me") Waiting on G.o.d Trust and obey Danger Rebellion Pride My rights Acting on my own Doubt and disobey Turn for a moment to 1 Peter 5. The people to whom Peter was writing were suffering Christians in the early church. They were being very harshly treated, more than most of us have ever experienced. So submission to authority comes up quite often in 1 Peter. First Peter 5:5 says, "You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for G.o.d is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble." "You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for G.o.d is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble." That is a phenomenal truth: G.o.d is opposed to the proud. In this context, the proud would be the unsubmissive. That is a phenomenal truth: G.o.d is opposed to the proud. In this context, the proud would be the unsubmissive.

Why do we get bent and rebellious? Because there is someone in control and we're not. There are things that we want to happen and they're not happening. So we get rebellious and say, "I'm going to make it happen. I'm going to get what I deserve, and you're not going to stop me!"

That's rebellion. But here's the underlying problem: You're too focused on the human authority. Behind that person is G.o.d, and if you pridefully resist that person's authority, G.o.d Himself will oppose you. He's going to make sure that att.i.tude of rebellion never takes you to a good place. Bottom line: G.o.d's team always wins.

If you submit to G.o.d's established authority, G.o.d is on your team, but if you rebel, He joins the other team.

When He's with the other team, you will lose for sure. It's pretty clear, isn't it? G.o.d is opposed to the proud. He gives grace to the humble. "Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of G.o.d, that He may exalt you at the proper time" "Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of G.o.d, that He may exalt you at the proper time" (1 Peter 5:6). (1 Peter 5:6).

But you say, "You don't see my situation. What's happening to me is so unjust. And the way I'm being treated and the opportunity I'm being given and the place where I am being ranked is not fair! It's not right!" The answer: "Humble yourself under the mighty hand of G.o.d, that He may exalt you at the proper time." Clawing your way to some position of success or opportunity may seem appealing, but it is far more exciting to wait and trust G.o.d and see Him put you in that place. Then you know that He wanted you there. He can get you there and keep you there.

Maybe you're feeling it will be so hard to wait on G.o.d, and you are right. Waiting is very hard.

That's why verse 7 is here, "Casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you." "Casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you." You say, "But I worry. What if He doesn't come through?" Cast your anxiety upon Him. "But I've worked so hard, and I'm so discouraged." Cast all your anxiety upon Him. Get before the Lord on your knees and lay this matter before the throne of grace. Then wait upon and trust Him. He will You say, "But I worry. What if He doesn't come through?" Cast your anxiety upon Him. "But I've worked so hard, and I'm so discouraged." Cast all your anxiety upon Him. Get before the Lord on your knees and lay this matter before the throne of grace. Then wait upon and trust Him. He will not not disappoint you. Submission is protection by G.o.d. disappoint you. Submission is protection by G.o.d.

PRINCIPLE THREE: SUBMISSION HAS LIMITS UNDER G.o.d.

You say, "Wow, this submission thing is getting radical. Are there any limits at all? This could be really dangerous."

Yes! There are some limits to the principle of submission. Once when I spoke on this subject, a tall, articulate young lady came up after the message. She was ticked off at me. She said, "How could you tell women to submit to their husbands? Do you know how many abused women are out there? They need courage to leave and not be reinforced to stay in those brutal situations."

She needed a.s.surance that submission had limits, and I encouraged her to come back the next Sunday when I would talk about them. As usual, the Bible itself acknowledges the tensions and the difficulties of trusting G.o.d in a fallen world, and sets the limits on submission very clearly.

Look at 1 Peter 2:16. After Peter wrote, "For such is the will of G.o.d that by doing right you will silence the ignorance of foolish men," "For such is the will of G.o.d that by doing right you will silence the ignorance of foolish men," he added this, he added this, "Act as free men." "Act as free men." See, you are not locked in. Submission is not slavery or giving up personal responsibility. G.o.d does not want His children living or acting like slaves. See, you are not locked in. Submission is not slavery or giving up personal responsibility. G.o.d does not want His children living or acting like slaves.

But some like to argue, "The apostle Paul said he was a slave!" (citing 2 Corinthians 4:5 and Philippians 1:1). My answer is a question: to whom? Paul was a slave to Christ (Ephesians 6:6). We are not slaves to human authorities. We're not to act like slaves. Wives are not to act like slaves-except to Christ. Employees are not to act like slaves, except to Christ.

When Christ says "Jump," I say, "How high?"

Other than that holy servitude, we are free people. The obedience that we give to human authorities, we give freely. We offer it when we voluntarily submit. If we begin to act like slaves in human relationships, or people try to make us feel like slaves, that is not righteous.

It deeply grieves me to see women wither in homes where an overbearing, unbiblical version of submission is applied. Here's my challenge to husbands: If your wife is not flourishing-if she is not blossoming like a rose-under your leadership, it's not righteous leadership. That's part of the balance. Submission does have limits under G.o.d. Husbands who think a lot about submission aren't thinking enough about their own duties toward their wives! I know too many husbands who can quote Ephesians 5:22 by heart, but they have no ideaave to Ce huge responsibility G.o.d gives them in Ephesians 5:25. Husbands who get pa.s.sionate about Ephesians 5:25-loving their wives as Christ loves the church-usually discover their wives have a lot less trouble with Ephesians 5:22! Indeed, the knife of submission cuts both ways.

People who are trying to submit biblically will often ask, "Well, then, how much submission is too much?"

There are certainly some levels of injustice that we need to bear up under, and there are some levels of injustice that are abusive. The question, then, is when is submission abusive, and how much abuse should a person bear up under? A second and equally important question is this: When a person can't or shouldn't bear up under it anymore, how does he or she get out of that situation? Here are three guidelines to help you decide when enough is enough. First, it depends upon the source. First, it depends upon the source. There are some things you can tolerate in your marriage from your spouse that you would never tolerate from your employer. A greater amount of grace is given at home because of the lifetime commitment that has been made. So it depends on where the abuse of authority is coming from. There are some things you can tolerate in your marriage from your spouse that you would never tolerate from your employer. A greater amount of grace is given at home because of the lifetime commitment that has been made. So it depends on where the abuse of authority is coming from.

Second, it certainly depends on the severity of it. If the abuse you are experiencing is merely pa.s.sive, if it's neglect as opposed to aggression, you can bear up under it much longer with G.o.d's help. As tough as a neglectful situation might be, that is hardly grounds for getting out of the commitments that you've made before G.o.d. However, if it's aggressive and active in verbal and physical ways, I remind you that you are not a slave. If the abuse you are experiencing is merely pa.s.sive, if it's neglect as opposed to aggression, you can bear up under it much longer with G.o.d's help. As tough as a neglectful situation might be, that is hardly grounds for getting out of the commitments that you've made before G.o.d. However, if it's aggressive and active in verbal and physical ways, I remind you that you are not a slave.

Here's one aspect of severity to consider: Is the abuse just involving you? Sometimes you can bear up under things in the Lord's strength for a season to give Him an opportunity to work. But if it's spilling over to your children, then there is a responsibility to protect that extends beyond your own capacity to endure.

Third, your response will depend upon the frequency. Once a month or once a year or once in a lifetime is no excuse for you to jump out and say, "Good! I'm free from this commitment! I wanted to be free! Now I'm out of here!" Once a month or once a year or once in a lifetime is no excuse for you to jump out and say, "Good! I'm free from this commitment! I wanted to be free! Now I'm out of here!"

Again, if your boss has said some awful, hurtful things to you and you just started working there this week, you might start looking around. There's more of that coming. But if you've been working there for fifteen years and this has happened only two times, I think your response is obvious; you can endure.

It depends upon who is the source and what is the severity and the frequency. Those are appropriate limits to consider under submission, knowing that G.o.d wants His children to live as free people, not as slaves.

AVOIDING THE EXTREMES.

One extreme is using abuse as an excuse to escape commitments when difficulties aren't frequent or severe. The second extreme is using submission as an excuse to stay, using a misunderstanding of what the Bible teaches about submission. The biblical teaching on submission does not encourage staying in a relationship that's destroying you and others you love.

"Well, how do you get out from under an unG.o.dly, repeatedly abusive authority?"

If that's your question, look at 1 Peter 2:21-look at Christ. Verse 21 indicates Christ is to be our example. Peter says, "For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps." "For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps." The context is submission. Our example is Christ and how He bore up under injustice. The context is submission. Our example is Christ and how He bore up under injustice. "Who committed no sin, nor was any deceit found in His mouth" "Who committed no sin, nor was any deceit found in His mouth" (verse 22). (verse 22).

It's surprisingly easy for an abused person to claim, "I've never committed any sin in this situation. No deceit is n my mouth. I'm not part of this problem in any way." No, I don't think anyone can say that but Christ. He was unjustly treated. Notice, however, His response: "While being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats." "While being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats." That's pretty clear. That's pretty clear. "But kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously" "But kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously" (verse 23). (verse 23).

Who is the "Him who judges righteously"? G.o.d, the Father. Christ, the second person of the Trinity, kept entrusting Himself to the Father. He only had one above Him in authority, the Father. We have a lot more up-lines than Christ did. Here's the biblical principle: When Christ was ridiculed, He kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously. When Christ was harshly treated and finally crucified, He kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously. Christ appealed to the highest authority. He went above.

AUTHORITIES CAN HELP.

If the authority structure in the home is failing, the next level of authority needs to be involved. Children or abused spouses need to know that if there are things going on in their home that are sinful, bringing them hurt and abuse, the authority above the authority of their home is their church. They should talk to a pastor or elder. They need to get their problem out in the light, and let the authority structure help. The church leader will offer biblical counsel and, if necessary, can recommend other, outside authorities.

Remember, the church is over the home. If you are not placing yourself or your family under any church, then you're out from under the protection. The authority structure of the church exists to help when the authority structure in the home fails.