Authority

I think I have a problem with authority. Oh, I don't have a problem with authority when the authority agrees with my way of thinking, but I have a big problem when I disagree with their way of thinking. And I think that simply boils down to a problem with authority.

When people in positions of authority or power or control or influence - whatever you want to call it - do things that are not right (i.e., misrepresenting the truth, white lies to achieve an outcome, chauvinism, etc.), every fiber of my being begins to resist that authority. Problem is, we are all flawed (me, you, and whoever is the authority), and so alot of those with authority do wrong things either from time to time or habitually. Time to time is one thing, but if it is habitual, well, let's just say for me to even be around that person feels like hearing nails on a chalk board.

So, I find reading Genesis 16 very interesting. Abram's wife, Sarai, has her servant sleep with Abram to bear him a child that Sarai was sure she never would. Once the servant, Hagar, became pregnant, she treated Sarai with contempt and Sarai's response to that was to treat Hagar harshly. So, Hagar ran away.

Looking at the circumstances here, I'm thinking it is better for Hagar to be gone from the situation, and better in general for these women to be apart. But the Lord often does things differently than I would expect. He told Hagar to go back and submit to Sarai's authority.

Interesting, eh? I bet He tells me that, too, when I am bucking authority. Hmmm......