A person will often hear that authority is not important when it comes to matters of religion. Authority plays an important part in many areas of our lives. The result is tragic when an individual refuses to submit to authority. When a child does not recognize the authority of his parents it leads to calamity. When a person does not recognize the authority of the government it leads to chaos. When a person does not recognize the authority of God’s Word it leads to confusion.

Consider the following passages of scripture that speak to the authoritativeness of God’s Word.

"All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work." ( II Timothy 3:16,17)

"As His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue," (II Peter 1:3)

Time and time again, one reads form God’s word the importance of recognizing His authority and doing exactly what He has said (Genesis 2:16,17, 6:22; Leviticus 10:1,2; Matthew 7:21; Colossians 3:17). Whether it is concerning how we live, how one worships God, or what one must do to be saved, we must go to God’s Word and His Word alone for the answers.

The reason why an individual does not recognize God’s word as sole authority in matters of religion is because he has not developed a proper respect toward God’s word. What is true spiritually is also true physically –where there is no respect there will be no recognition of authority. A child that does not respect his parents will not recognize the authority of his parents.

One can not help but come away with a deeper respect for God’s Word after reading the 119^th Psalm. Notice the respect that David had toward God’s word. He praised (v.7), rejoiced (v.14), delighted (v.16), longed for (v.20), was strengthened by (v.28), trusted in (v.42), loved (v.48), was comforted by (v.50), was thankful for (v.62), stood in awe (v.161) of God’s Word. He said that God’s Word was good (v.39), was better than all the riches (v.72), was right (v.75), was sweet (v.103), was a lamp and light unto his feet (v.105), was wonderful (v.129), was faithful (v.138), was pure (v.140), was truth (v.142). Notice the outcome that resulted from his belief in God’s word: he would not forget God’s word (v.61), he believed in God’s word (v.66), he hated every false way (v.128), he was saddened when others did not keep God’s Word (v.136), he had peace (v.165), he did the commands of God (v.166), and he realized he had chosen the way of truth (v.173). Whenever a person comes to respect God’s word will he recognize the authority of God’s word. May each of us strive to develop a deep respect for God’s word and seek to do exactly what God says.

Mike Gurganus
PO Box 916
Henderson, NC 27536