Good News Tucson - A Family Values Magazine

Biblical Living with Mike Hoppe

Because You Say So... I will!

Many people have a need to be "right" with their opinions, beliefs, recommendations, attitudes, and behaviors. Unfortunately, the belief that "being right trumps everything else" is one of the most destructive forces in organizations, marriages, and many other relational situations.

Let's say my boss and I have been discussing a situation and he finally makes a decision that is in conflict with my recommendation…what do I do? The only honoring, moral, and spiritually sound response is to submit to the authority that I have placed myself under. "Because you say so, I will!" I need to be able to do it without reluctance, resentment, or resistance. In fact, I need to do it with my full commitment.

The Bible stresses the importance of such commitment. "Obey your leaders and submit to their authority... Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you." Hebrews 13:17

If I am unable or unwilling to submit to the authority I have placed myself under, the only other option is to remove myself from being under that authority. Remaining under that authority and not submitting to it is defined biblically as spiritual rebellion, more commonly known as sabotage. It destroys relationships and may be the greatest source of divisiveness within any organization of people.

It is also important to differentiate true submission from fear of consequence. True submission is always accompanied by real commitment. Going along with a decision because you are fearful of what might happen if you did not, is only committing to self preservation…not committing to the solution or course of action that was decided!

Imagine what it would be like to hear these words, "You know, I don't agree with your decision, but you have certainly given me the chance to weigh in on the discussion, and I just want you to know that because you say this is how it is to be, I will commit my best effort to make sure it happens that way." This is what is called a blessing.

This year, commit to being a blessing in all of your relationships!

Mike is one of the Associate Pastors at Casas Church, is a graduate business school instructor, and still actively works with companies to develop their organizations after 15 years in management with a Fortune 100 company. Mike can be reached at mikeh@casaschurch.org or www.casastv.com.