A father who served in the military wanted their sons to obey like his soldiers under his command. The terrified sons would hide under the bed, hearing his footsteps. As teenagers, they rebelled and even went to the Pastor asking for counsel. The pastor simply advised the children to obey their parents. Honoring Parents is part of the Ten Commandments. (Exodus 20:12). Sadly, it ended with one of the sons murdering the father. Wives are compelled and even forced to absolutely obey their husbands; subordinates their bosses; and believers their pastors.
Authorities
God’s governance is based on a healthy relationship between authority and submission. Government authorities have to be obeyed as God has ordained them. When these government authorities demand obedience to them over God’s laws, they need not be obeyed. Peter and John thundered, it is better to obey God rather than man. (Acts 5:29) Daniel defied the authority of Darius and was thrown into the Den of lions. However, God protected him. (Daniel 6) Queen Vasthi refused to obey the immodest demand of Emperor Ahasuerus. (Esther 1 10-12)
In the Lord
Paul exhorts children to obey their parents in the Lord. (Ephesians 6:1) Because parents are not gods. They are fallible humans who can err and go against the Plan, Purpose, and the Will of God. Humans – husband, parents, government authorities, pastors, and elders are all humans, and they could err. Some people foolishly or arrogantly like to replace ‘in the Lord’ with ‘according to culture.’
Balanced understanding
Richard Foster, in his book ‘Celebration of Discipline’, writes: “Revolutionary submission commands us to live in submission to human authority until it becomes destructive.” Radical disciples submit to human authority until it becomes destructive to the person or family, or organisation. Sometimes, it is unproductive to live under such authority. Some authorities, even church leaders, treat others like caged birds, curtailing freedom or cutting the wings. When God’s call is being hindered or obstructed, obedience to God and disobedience to human authority is the only option. Abuse of power should be resisted and rejected.
Do I obey God rather than man?