Respect Authority But Follow Christ
Authority is part of God’s design, but human authority is never a substitute for Christ. In Matthew 23, Jesus exposed religious leaders who taught others while failing to practice what they preached. He warned against pride, public recognition, and using religion to elevate ourselves.
Yet Scripture also tells us to submit to governing authorities and to pray for those in positions of leadership. So how do we reconcile these truths?
The answer is found in understanding the difference between respecting authority and following hypocrisy.
As Christians, we should honor those God has placed in positions of authority, pray for them, and speak about them in a way that reflects Christ. But our ultimate allegiance belongs to Jesus. He is the foundation of our faith, and His Word—not human personalities, traditions, or popularity—must determine what we believe and how we live.
Authority Has a Place
Romans 13:1-3 teaches that governing authority is not something Christians should casually dismiss. We are called to recognize that God has established authority.
That doesn’t mean every person in authority is righteous or every decision is correct. It means Christians should not have a rebellious attitude toward authority simply because they disagree with someone.
Authority Does Not Equal Infallibility
Matthew 23:3-7 presents a powerful warning. Jesus acknowledged the teaching position of the scribes and Pharisees while simultaneously condemning their hypocrisy.
They could occupy a position of religious authority and still be wrong in their conduct.
Position does not make a person infallible.
Don’t Follow Hypocrisy
Jesus specifically warned against doing religious things to be seen by others.
Matthew 6:1-8 reminds us that even good things—giving, praying, and serving—can become corrupted when our motivation is recognition rather than God.
The question isn’t merely, “What am I doing?”
It is also, “Why am I doing it?”
Pray for Those in Authority
1 Timothy 2:1-3 tells believers to pray for kings and those in authority.
Notice that Scripture doesn’t say we only pray for leaders we agree with.
We pray because they are leaders.
Prayer changes our posture. Instead of allowing anger, resentment, or political division to consume us, we bring those in authority before God.
Christ Is the Foundation
Matthew 16:16-18 brings everything back to Jesus Christ.
Our faith cannot ultimately rest on a person.
Not a pastor.
Not a denomination.
Not a political leader.
Not a celebrity.
Not a religious personality.
Our foundation is Jesus Christ.
Let Your Words Build Rather Than Destroy
Ephesians 4:29 challenges us to make sure our words are useful for edification.
Colossians 3:16 calls us to let the Word of Christ dwell in us richly.
That means even when we disagree with someone, our words should still reflect the character of Christ.
8. Application Questions
1. Do I confuse respecting someone’s position with agreeing with everything that person says or does?
2. Am I capable of recognizing hypocrisy without becoming cynical toward everyone in authority?
3. Do I pray for those in authority, including those with whom I strongly disagree?
4. Do I sometimes do spiritual things because I want other people to notice?
5. Is my faith resting on Christ, or have I allowed a person, church, denomination, or leader to become my foundation?
6. Do my words about people in authority build others up or tear them down?
7. Before I speak, do I allow the Word of Christ to shape what I say?
9. Short Prayer
Father, help us to respect the authority You have established without placing our trust in people above our trust in You. Give us wisdom to recognize hypocrisy without becoming cynical. Teach us to pray for those in authority, to speak with grace, and to let Your Word guide our words and actions. Above all, keep our faith firmly established in Jesus Christ. In His name, Amen.
10. Key Verse — KJV
Matthew 23:3
“All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not.”
