Romans 13:1-2 – “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.”
Throughout our lives, there are people who have authority over us and who can force us to comply with their will. When we are children, our parents and teachers fill this role, and when we become adults, the government, our bosses, church leaders, and perhaps our spouse fill this roll.
Leadership is a sacred responsibility on the part of the leader because they can exercise their authority to impact someones life in significant ways.
A police officer has the authority to drastically change your day when they pull you over for trying to make it through the intersection before the light turned red. The moment they come to your window, they can decide to give you a ticket or give you grace. You also have a responsibility, because your actions can escalate the situation.
Your best choice is to demonstrate respect and restraint and hope they treat you fairly. If they don’t, you can appeal to a higher authority for justice.
Respecting Earthly Leadership
Scripture teaches that God establishes authority, and believers are called to respect and submit to earthly leaders—so long as doing so does not contradict God’s will.
- Government Authorities
- Romans 13:1-2 – “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.”
- 1 Peter 2:13-14 – “Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right.”
- Church and Spiritual Leaders
- Hebrews 13:17 – “Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.”
- 1 Timothy 5:17 – “The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching.”
- Workplace and Social Authorities
- Colossians 3:22-24 – “Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to curry their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.”
Obedience to God Over Human Authorities
While respect for earthly leadership is a biblical principle, obedience to God is the higher priority when the two conflict.
- God’s Authority Over All
- Acts 5:29 – “But Peter and the apostles answered, ‘We must obey God rather than men.’”
- Daniel 3:16-18 – Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to bow to Nebuchadnezzar’s idol, choosing obedience to God over the king’s command.
- Listening to God’s Call Over Human Expectations
- Galatians 1:10 – “For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.”
- Matthew 28:19-20 – The Great Commission instructs believers to prioritize spreading the gospel over earthly concerns.
- Jesus as the Ultimate Authority
- Matthew 6:33 – “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
- John 10:27 – “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.”
Finding the Balance
The biblical approach is to respect and honor leaders while always prioritizing obedience to God. If a leader’s command contradicts God’s Word, believers are called to stand firm in their faith.
Micah 6:8 – “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
1 Corinthians 7:23 – “You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of human beings.”
The Responsibility of Leadership
The Bible provides a strong framework for what godly leadership should look like. Leaders are called to serve, protect, guide, and be accountable for their people. Here are some key responsibilities of leaders to their followers, based on Scripture:
Lead with Humility and Servanthood
A leader’s role is not to dominate but to serve. Jesus Himself modeled servant leadership.
- Mark 10:42-45 – “Jesus called them together and said, ‘You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.’”
- John 13:12-15 – Jesus washed His disciples’ feet as an example of humility in leadership.
Shepherd and Care for Their Followers
Leaders are compared to shepherds, responsible for protecting and nurturing their people.
- Ezekiel 34:2-4 – God rebukes leaders who only take care of themselves: “Woe to the shepherds of Israel who only take care of themselves! Should not shepherds take care of the flock?”
- John 10:11 – “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”
Provide Wise and Just Guidance
Godly leaders seek wisdom and make decisions that align with God’s truth, not personal interests.
- Proverbs 11:14 – “For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers.”
- James 3:17 – “But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.”
Conclusion
God has placed leaders over us in our lives, as well as placed us in leadership over others. We are all imperfect leaders and followers, and therefore we need to have patience with our leaders as much as our leaders need to have grace with their followers.
We are not required to blindly follow leadership, but must first seek the Kingdom of God and His will for our lives. When our own decisions conflict with leadership in our lives, when we are wise we will not brush it off, but will listen, pray, and seek the Lord.
