Respecting Authority - Thoughts for parents on President's Day

'Teach Your Children To Respect Authority' Probably one of the most widespread social problems of our day is the lack of respect for authority. This is blatantly evident in the youth culture of today and is often being re-enforced by TV programs and music lyrics. We should not be surprised at this, as we are now the 2nd generation since the 60's sexual and drug revolution across the world, and we are reaping the harvest that our parents sowed. In the 60's and 70's there was a massive shift in society values and core beliefs, and many of the pillars of our society were thrown out and replaced by the philosophy of 'If it feels good do it!'. One of the major signs of the 60's revolution was the call for rebellion against 'the man' or the structure of society. There is little doubt that these actions were inspired by the evil forces that are at work in the earth today. Forces that are hell-bent on throwing out all God-ordained authority figures and replacing them with their own rule. This is simply a continuation of the age old battle between good and evil that has been waged since the fall of man in The Garden of Eden. All authority ultimately comes from God, and God has delegated the rule of the earth to man. Governments and Laws are established to bring order, provide benefits to the citizens of that country, and to punish those who are law breakers. Without a structured government system society breaks down and chaos rules, which is exactly what the evil forces want to happen. When chaos rules it becomes the 'law of the jungle' and only the strong survive. Personal rights and liberties are lost and the person who has the biggest gun tells you how to live your life. Things like hospitals and schools and roads begin to disappear, and you are told what to do and what to believe. Respect for authority begins in the home, if your children are not taught to show respect for their parents then they will certainly not show respect for the authorities within government or the church etc. It is easier for children to show respect to their parents if their parents are loving, fair and compassionate toward them. The parents also need to practise what they preach if they are to have credibility in the children's eyes. Now I did not say that the parents need to be perfect, as that is a physical impossibility while we are still on this earth. When our children hear us apologise after we make mistakes, it helps them to see that we are all under God's authority. Respect for authority comes through the realisation that they are there to help us and not just to control us. It is important to re-enforce this to your children, especially when they might not always appreciate or agree with decisions made by those in authority. Now I am not advocating blind obedience to those in authority either, as I believe that those who have the rule over us must be held accountable for their actions also, and it is just as important that your children realise that with authority comes responsibility. Teach your children to honour and respect the authorities in their lives, whether it be teachers, government, police or church authorities. This will greatly assist them to understand that the structures that have been set up both in heaven and on earth are given to help them in life. Warm Regards John Nolan Suggested Action: Explain clearly to your children that all authority comes from God, and as we submit to the authority God has given, we also submit to God.

(Exodus 20 v 12)

12    "Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the Lord your God is giving you.

(Romans 13 v 1-4)

1Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. 2Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves. 3For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same. 4For he is God's minister to you for good. 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.