Of course, someone eventually noticed my bright red Kia parked in the small forbidden parking lot and stuck the bright orange notice under my windshield wiper. Due to construction, the regular lot for substitute teachers was filled with temporary classroom trailers. Substitute teachers must park in the lots at the rear of the school, regardless of the long hike and weather conditions. This may be easy, but both my knees and feet are old and decrepit. And so, it was with great irritation that I read the notice. Surely it didn’t apply to me?!
Did you ever receive a rule and think that it must not apply to you? My husband is much better at following rules than I am. In contrast, I tend to ask “Why”? Do I really need to obey yet another stupid rule?”
THOSE NASTY CRETANS
An experience like this sheds light on one’s attitude toward authority. My attitude needs readjustment, just like the Cretans. I Titus 1, we learn that the Cretan believers are an unruly group described as “arrogant, quick-tempered, violent, dishonest, a rebellious people”. Sources called the people of Crete “liars, cruel animals, and lazy gluttons”. What a reputation! It sounds like a social media post.
ATTITUDE, ATTITUDE, ATTITUDE
However, these Cretans are slowly growing in Christ. What does Titus further instruct them on? Titus 3:1-11 addresses their attitudes about their rulers. How do we behave toward those in authority, regardless of how rulers got into power? Do we want to be called “foolish, disobedient, spending and wasting our life in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another”? Or do we choose “to be obedient, to be ready and willing to do good, to slander or abuse no one, to be kind and conciliatory and gentle, showing unqualified consideration and courtesy toward everyone”? That is quite a contrast in attitude.
COURTESY TOWARD EVERYONE?
Paul wrote this not only for the Cretans, but also for me. Did he write it for you? Believers are not to be hurling sarcastic, derogatory, and foul-mouthed words at those with whom we disagree. God’s children must show “unqualified consideration and courtesy toward everyone”, obey the law (as long as it does not directly violate God’s law) and “be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, ready and willing to do good.” Doesn’t matter whether we like the ruler or how they rule. Notice, God does not ask how we feel about those in charge.
SWALLOWING MY PRIDE
I am to swallow my pride, be respectful, and obey the rules. My personal convenience or preference doesn’t enter the equation. I must adjust my attitude.
BE SUBJECT
And so, I dutifully park my Kia in one of the designated parking lots at the rear of the building and trudge to the front of the school. All because God says, “Be subject to rulers and authorities, be obedient, and be ready and willing to do good.”
Are you God’s ambassador in all matters of obedience? My attitude often needs readjustment. Does yours?