Don’t Speak Evil Against Authorities
ICS Daily Devotions
Romans 13:1 (NKJV) Let 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.
God is a God of order. Therefore, He has appointed governing authorities over us. For example, He has put in place authorities over every nation for law and order, the husband to take leadership in the household, a leader in the company, and last but not least, the Pastor for spiritual authority in the church.
We are all subject to the governing authorities appointed by God.Therefore, we should submit to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake, whether to kings or governors, as those who are sent by Him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good.
Galatians 6:7 (NKJV) Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.
The Bible is clear that we will reap what we sow. Therefore, we are accountable for the words that we speak. The Lord does not condone speaking evil of those whom He has placed in positions of authority, especially spiritual authority. God backs His servants 100%, so if we knowingly and intentionally say something about the leaders or anything that will bring about unrest in society, we will be held accountable for it.
Acts 23:5 (NKJV) Then Paul said, “I did not know, brethren, that he was the high priest; for it is written, ‘You shall not speak evil of a ruler of your people.’”
The Apostle Paul reminded us that it is improper to speak negatively or be rude to the leadership that God has put in place. God would deal with His servants Himself if they had sinned against Him. This is why Paul even apologised after he had realised that it was the High Priest he had spoken unkindly of.
1 Samuel 24:10 (NKJV) Look, this day your eyes have seen that the Lord delivered you today into my hand in the cave, and someone urged me to kill you. But my eye spared you, and I said, ‘I will not stretch out my hand against my lord, for he is the Lord’s anointed.’
Similarly, King David also understood that nobody should touch God’s anointed, and the guilt and consequences that would follow. In fact, he even executed the messenger who claimed that he had killed Saul. David’s words “How was it you were not afraid to put forth your hand to destroy the Lord’s anointed?” (2 Samuel 1:15, NKJV) echoe God’s own words to Aaron and Miriam “Why then were you not afraid to speak against My servant Moses?” (Exodus 3:8b, NKJV).
We should watch our lips and refrain from speaking against those God has placed in positions of authority, whether secular or spiritual.
Sermon Series: Cell Group Campaign 2023
