Solomon tells us that “a happy heart is good medicine and a cheerful mind works healing” (Proverbs 17:22, AMP ). God undoubtedly has a sense of humor; we need only look at some of the animals He created (it’s hard not to smile at the sight of a hippo, a monkey, or a puppy). Or think of some of the married couples you know: don’t you think God was smiling at the wedding as He looked ahead to the interaction of the wildly different personalities that will be living together?
I’ve just started reading John Bevere’s Under Cover, and I was struck by several statements he made at the start of the second chapter. His premise in this chapter is that believers raised in a culture of democracy have a hard time accepting absolute submission to authority:
“This is the exact tactic of Satan, the enemy of our souls — he loves to make what brings us into bondage appear desirable and even good while portraying what is liberating as bondage.” (9)
“It is hard to understand kingdom principles with a democratic mind-set. Democracy is fine for the nations of the world, but we must remember the kingdom of God is just that — a kingdom. It is ruled by a King, and there are rank, order, and authority. The laws of His kingdom are not superceded by, or subject to, popular opinion, voting, or polls.” (10)
“We cannot separate our submission to God’s inherent authority from our submission to His delegated authority. All authority originates from Him!” (11)
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Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version ®, copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.