Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men.  Titus 3:1-2

In Titus, Paul writes to the church on the island of Crete concerning earthly authority in all areas of life. He urges the people of Crete to be subject to authorities. But what does this mean?  Paul points out the obvious: being subject to authority requires obedience. If someone has authority over us, whether it is our boss, a leader within the church, or the government; we should follow their instructions. But that’s not all.  Paul lists several characteristics of submission beyond obedience. He includes being ready for good deeds, being peaceable, being gentle, and being considerate. This goes beyond our typical view of submission. Biblical submission is not just about the action. It’s about the attitude as well.  When someone in authority over us gives us instruction, how do we respond when we feel like they don’t deserve our respect? Paul reminds us that at one point, we were all foolish. We have all acted inappropriately. It was only by God’s kindness and love that we were saved from this foolishness. And for this reason, we should submit to authority even when we don’t feel like it.

Dear God, Thank you for showing your kindness to me by sending your Son to save me from my foolish ways. And because of that, I know that when I am given instruction by an authority figure, I need to respond in a positive way regardless of the circumstances. Please help me to always be ready to do good, to slander no one, and to be peaceable and considerate always. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.