IS IT RIGHT TO DISOBEY UNBELIEVING PARENTS WHEN THEY OPPOSE YOUR SERVICE TO GOD? Dear Friend, Find below my thoughts on last week’s question of the week. This question represents a conflict of scriptural principles, so I understand the divergent views that it creates. I will like us to examine a related instance in the Bible where two biblical principles concerning authority clashed. The Apostles were warned by the authorities not to preach in the name of Jesus. Acts 5:28-29 reads, “Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this mans blood upon us.” As Christians, we are supposed to subject ourselves to the authority that God has placed upon us. This includes submission of children to parents, citizens to the government, employees to employers, church members to pastors, etc. Romans 13:1 states, “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is NO POWER BUT OF GOD: the powetrs that be are ordained of God.” The Apostles were supposed to be subject to the rulers, but in this case, submission meant disobeying God who had instructed them to preach. I personally dont think there is a blanket answer to this quagmire, but I believe each situation has to be taken on its own merit. They will all however have to be handled with the principles of wisdom, avoidance, defiance and being led by the Spirit. Lets us examine some case studies. 1. The principle of wisdom In the book of Daniel, Daniel was supposed to eat the kings’ meat, which had been offered to idols. Meanwhile, God disapproved of it. The conflict was obedience to the king or God. He satisfied both parties by negotiating with his supervisor. He did not eat the meat, but met the kings objective of good health. Wisdom was the key. 2. The principle of avoidance. Sometimes, its is better to avoid a clash of principles by avoiding the clash, especially if it does not cause you to sin. For example, if your father does not want you to attend a particular church, you can avoid the clash by listening to the messages from that particular church on the Internet. You will still meet your objective without necessarily creating an unnecessary conflict. 3. The principle of defiance. This I believe must be the last resort. There is a time of war, but war must be the last option. There are times when we have no choice, but stand for what we believe. Acts 5:29 reads, “Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We OUGHT TO OBEY GOD RATHER THAN MEN.” The Apostles defied the authorities because there was no way out. Obeying them meant the end of the church and the gospel. 4. Finally, be led by the Spirit to deal with each case as it comes up. I hope you have been blessed!
Posted on: Thu, 24 Oct 2013 10:40:10 +0000
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