The solution to abusive authority is not to question the concept of authority but to reject authority which defies God.
Today’s reading: Daniel 11-12; 3 John 1
36 “And the king shall do as he wills. He shall exalt himself and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak astonishing things against the God of gods. He shall prosper till the indignation is accomplished; for what is decreed shall be done. Daniel 11:36
9 I have written something to the church, but Diotrephes, who likes to put himself first, does not acknowledge our authority. 10 So if I come, I will bring up what he is doing, talking wicked nonsense against us. And not content with that, he refuses to welcome the brothers, and also stops those who want to and puts them out of the church.
11 Beloved, do not imitate evil but imitate good. Whoever does good is from God; whoever does evil has not seen God. 3 John 1:9-11
As we see in today’s readings, the problem of defying authority is prevalent down through history and in all areas of life, political and ecclesiastical.
Daniel had a vision about a self-exalting king who lifted himself up above every other god and spoke against the true God of Israel. He would seem to be invincible for a time conquering kingdoms and amassing wealth, but in the end he would fall with no one to help (11:45).
In John’s time there was a man named Diotrephes who had a similar defiant attitude. He disregarded the apostle and spoke against him. He was inhospitable and excommunicated those in the church who attempted to be hospitable. He was a picture of selfishness and pride. No wonder John tells his readers not to imitate evil but to imitate good. A person like Diotrephes can influence many to follow his wicked example.
“Question authority” may be a popular bumper sticker but the solution to abusive authority is not to question the concept of authority. We need to submit to God’s authority and to duly instituted authority in the civil sector. Beware of defying authority (Romans 13:1-7; Hebrews 13:7,17).
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