The Authority Problem in Society

Lawful authority and the respect for it in society is something that is sadly lacking in our country and it explains the lack of respect for the authority of God, since all authority on earth is given by God to those chosen by Him to be in charge of things big and small. If earthly authority isn’t respected, neither will God’s authority be. And in order to be truly happy and live as God’s children in His creation, we need to respect the fact that God has authority over us and in turn respect those whom He has put in positions of authority over us here on earth.

If you follow football, you may have seen the controversy following the Saints-Falcons game on Sunday after the Saints offense ran a play at the end of the game where they faked taking a knee and ran the ball in for a touchdown. Besides being very poor sportsmanship (they were up 41-17 and were going to win anyway), it was also a show of disrespect for authority because head coach Dennis Allen had told them to take the knee and run out the clock. However, the offense chose to run it in to give running back Jamaal Williams his first touchdown of the season. Afterwards, many of their teammates stuck up for them and defended their decision, saying that they were having their teammates’ back and even Saints fans were defending the players. I myself am a Saints fan, but I am on Allen’s side and believe that the player’s disrespect for authority is not excused simply because they wanted to have their teammates’ back and give him a touchdown. Accolades are fleeting, but the value of having respect for someone higher up than you and having that integrity is what is involved with character and the kind of person someone is. And kids today who are watching these athletes and the fallout from their actions need to see that disrespect is not to be tolerated and that having respect is more important than material stats. If this is not taught in society where everyone is watching, then disrespect will be seen as okay and in turn rebellion against authority figures and God will be more encouraged.

In our own homes and in society as a whole, we must take care to teach respect for authority which will in turn teach our youth and others as well that respecting those who are put in charge over us is something that will improve society and show our respect and love for God Who wills that we have authority figures in our lives to teach us discipline and lift our eyes to Him and His authority. This has sadly been lost in society as we teach people to be true to themselves and do what makes them happy even if it means rebelling against parents and others who are in charge of their upbringing. Turning to God and His authority is the only answer we have if we wish to turn this around and build a society filled with respect and love for God and one another.