In the world in which we find ourselves today, both in relation to government and in the work environment, we are finding challenges to authority in a way that was not known a few years ago. Employers are complaining that younger people do not want to submit to the authority of the boss where they work, and that they do not want to fit into “company culture.” A recent poll done on some young people who worked in a company environment found that a number of them complained about “having to accept criticism,” “having to be on time,” and “having to use the phone.” But by far their greatest source of anxiety was “having to work with people.” When the pollsters asked some of these young people what changes they would make in the workplace, the most popular answer was “mental health days as standard,” with “on site therapy” too.
On the other hand, when some of these young people were confronted about their attitude, their replies brought out some of their frustrations. They complained that the wages offered today for “entry-level” jobs were nowhere near what is needed to rent an apartment, buy groceries, provide transportation for themselves, and have some kind of social life. They also complained that big companies sometimes look more at their products and profits than their people, and demote them, lay them off, or even fire them, seemingly without any consideration as to how these actions affect their employees. They felt that they should not have to work hard, only to be discarded when it suited the company. They also asked how a boss could expect them always to be submissive and yet be creative too.
Public Disobedience
In relation to government, we are seeing more pronounced public disobedience to established authority; laws are broken, police are resisted by large crowds, protests are conducted when they have been prohibited, and violent crimes such as carjacking and other forms of robbery have greatly increased. Shoplifting in particular has increased to such a degree that many larger enterprises are not bothering to prosecute smaller thefts, even if the perpetrators are caught. The widespread nature of all this indifference to authority echoes the words of Ecclesiastes 8:1111Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil. (Ecclesiastes 8:11) — “Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil.” If others shoplift, why should not I do it? If others board the bus without paying, why should I pay? If government officials are often corrupt, why should I have to be honest? This problem is not, of course, limited to young people; it may affect people at any age.
This difficulty can extend into spiritual things as well, as older ones may operate under different “rules” and thought patterns than younger people. Those who take public part in meetings for spiritual instruction are sometimes perceived as being “out of touch” with the realities faced by younger people. When those same older ones seek to exert their authority as “elders,” that authority may be resented. Once again there may seem to be a difficult problem with no easy solution.
The Generation Gap
It is worthwhile noting that a “generation gap” is nothing new in this world, although it may manifest itself in different ways. In Ezra 3:10-13,10And when the builders laid the foundation of the temple of the Lord, they set the priests in their apparel with trumpets, and the Levites the sons of Asaph with cymbals, to praise the Lord, after the ordinance of David king of Israel. 11And they sang together by course in praising and giving thanks unto the Lord; because he is good, for his mercy endureth for ever toward Israel. And all the people shouted with a great shout, when they praised the Lord, because the foundation of the house of the Lord was laid. 12But many of the priests and Levites and chief of the fathers, who were ancient men, that had seen the first house, when the foundation of this house was laid before their eyes, wept with a loud voice; and many shouted aloud for joy: 13So that the people could not discern the noise of the shout of joy from the noise of the weeping of the people: for the people shouted with a loud shout, and the noise was heard afar off. (Ezra 3:10‑13) when some had returned to Jerusalem after the Babylonian captivity, they laid the foundation in order to build the temple. It is recorded in verses 10-11 That many of the people rejoiced and “shouted with a great shout ... because the foundation of the house of the Lord was laid.” However, others who were “ancient men, that had seen the first house ... wept with a loud voice” (vs. 12). Surely the Lord understood both!
What then is the solution to the present-day difficulty of younger people resenting the authority of older ones, either in the secular world, or in spiritual things? I would suggest that the Word of God gives us the answer.
When God sets up authority in any particular sphere, whether in the workplace, in the government, in the family, or in the assembly, He expects those in a position of submission to respect that authority. We must recognize that ultimately all authority comes from God, and if we give up God, then we will not respect any authority. If we reverence the Lord, we should respect and submit to the authority He has established. It is worthwhile to note that when the Apostle Paul exhorted believers in his day to “be subject unto the higher powers” (Rom. 13:11Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. (Romans 13:1)), they were living under an evil and corrupt power in Rome. When the book of Romans was written, Nero was the emperor, and he hated the Christians. Yet Paul told believers to pay tribute, to submit to the authority, and reminded the saints that those people were “ordained of God.” This is true in any area of authority.
The “Master in Heaven”
However, the Word of God speaks to those in authority too, and tells them that they too have a “Master in heaven.” (Col. 4:11Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven. (Colossians 4:1)). Fathers, masters, husbands — all are reminded to exercise their authority in a right way. A brother from the 19th century made a penetrating remark in his ministry, saying that when disorder and confusion arise within any sphere of authority and responsibility that God has set up, it is usually the one in authority that has failed first. This does not excuse those under authority for rebelling against it, nor is it always true that the higher member has failed first. But in my experience and observation over a lifetime, I have to agree that this brother was right. It is a sobering thought for those of us who are older.
The great thing to remember is that God expects you and me to honor Him and His authority, whether we find ourselves in a position of submission, or a position of authority. I cannot use the failure of others to justify failure in myself. “Every one of us shall give account of himself to God” (Rom. 14:1212So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God. (Romans 14:12)). Whatever abuse of authority or lack of submission to authority we see in this, we as believers in Christ are to show God’s pattern wherever we find ourselves. As always, however, human authority cannot exert itself to challenge God’s authority. Derived authority cannot challenge supreme authority. If human authority asks us to do that which dishonors God, God’s authority must overrule. But in every other case, we are called to submit to the authority under which God has placed us.
Submission – Authority
In closing, I would like to tell a true story that illustrates how each side (submission and authority) reacted in the right way. A middle-aged Christian woman worked in a small company where most of the employees were women. In addition to being good at her work, the Christian woman was also a good seamstress. Other women would occasionally bring in articles of clothing, and ask her to hem a skirt, shorten the legs on trousers, put in a zipper, etc. She cheerfully did these little favors at home after work, and rarely charged anything for doing them. One day her boss brought in a very difficult piece of sewing work which he wanted done as part of a gift for his young daughter, and asked this woman if she could do it. It was something she had never done before, but she told him that she would do her best. It took quite a bit of time, but it turned out perfectly, and her boss and his daughter were thrilled with it. Once again, she did not expect any reward for this extra work, but the next day her boss gave her an envelope and remarked, “This is because you are always ready to go the extra mile.” In the envelope was a check for five hundred dollars. The Christian woman did her part, but her boss showed his appreciation. He was wealthy, and gave her a bonus according to his wealth. When all are willing to obey the Word of God, there is seldom any difficulty.
W. J. Prost