“God’s Authority Over Man”

Jarrod Jacobs

            Many pay lip-service to God’s authority, but few seem to realize the extent of it. We live in a time when men want to “call the shots” and run their own lives. This is just not possible if we are going to please God. What is the extent of God’s authority over man?

            First, it is God who must direct our steps. Jeremiah said, “I know, O LORD, that the way of man is not in himself, it is not in man who walks to direct his steps” (Jer. 10:23). Man is not able to direct his steps correctly. Allow God to do it!

            God has also told us how to worship Him. Jesus said, “God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth” (Jn. 4:24). Our worship is not “do as you please”. Our worship is not geared toward pleasing people, but pleasing God! Our worship consists of singing (Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16); prayer, teaching, partaking of the Lord’s Supper, and giving of our means (Acts 2:42; I Cor. 16:1-2). This is what God told us to do!

            Finally, the extent of God’s authority is seen in Colossians 3:17. “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” This verse covers our whole lives. God has complete authority over man!

            Let us stop living selfishly, but live a fulfilled life by submitting wholeheartedly to the authority of God!!