Authority is a difficult concept for me. I am willing to admit it because I find myself reacting so consistently in a negative way when it is constricts my activities or is impose on me! I do not like the idea that others can force me to do something, especially when I believe it affects my ability or freedom of choice when it comes to others. I rebel before I even take the time to understand. I react before thinking. For me, laws and authority exists so that I can challenge them.
As I grow older, I see how arrogant and selfish my view has been and often is. By now, so engrained is my reaction to authority in who and what I am that I react and behave without thought or reflection. A new corporate request shows up in my email, I plot on how I can avoid providing the information. I pass through a speed trap and immediately assume that I need to take corrective actions to my attempt to speed. If I stop for even a moment I realize that the information corporate is looking for is reasonable and available, and my speed was already below the limit given my concern for the safety of others!
I am beginning to see the law differently. “[God's] law code – don't sleep with another person's spouse, don't take someone's life, don't take what isn't yours, don't always be wanting what you don't have, and any other “don't” you can think of – finally adds us to this: Love other people as well as you do yourself.” (Romans 13.9) God is trying to help me understand and experience what He is. God is not trying to restrict my view. God is giving me open and unlimited freedom! If my god is my self then any external request, fact, or law is an attack or barrier. If the God of unlimited love, mercy, acceptance, and grace is my God, then his facts are introductions to his character.
My viewpoint continues to change. Experiencing God continues to unlock unlimited opportunities!
