Romans 13:7, "......give respect and honor to those who are in authority." (NLT)

Think

I have it on great authority... God is a God of authority and order. Everyone is under the authority of whomever God has placed over them, whether it's a parent, coach, boss, government official, pastor, or even your spouse. And because God has placed these people over us, he wants us to honor their position. This can be difficult to do when we don't agree with their philosophies and methodologies, but it doesn't matter. God's Word is clear about showing respect for anyone he's placed over us in a leadership capacity. It's important to know that authority has influence over us and responsibility for us. God is watching what they are doing with their authority. It's easier to fall in line with God's coaching when we realize both of these important nuances land squarely on the shoulders of our authority figures. Put yourself in their shoes and look at how you respond to their leadership through their eyes. Would God be proud of the way you respond or do you think you need to up the ante on your end to be more in line with God's desire for you as you submit to their leadership? Leadership comes in all forms. Right now, you, too, can lead out amongst your peers, within your sphere of influence, and respond to authority in a positive way that reflects the 'author' of authority – God!

Act

Rate yourself on a scale of 1 to 10 as it pertains to respecting and honoring your leaders. If you score on the low side of either of these, do everything you can to change your attitude and improve. By doing this you will please God and align yourself with his game plan.

Pray

God, I give you ultimate authority over my life. Help me to always be respectful and show honor to those you've placed over me, no matter how difficult is to do at the time. I want to live my life in a manner that is pleasing to you. I pray this in Jesus' name, Amen.