EMBRACING FAMILY
We’ve all been wowed as we watched superhero movies. But Jesus is our ultimate superhero, who allowed himself to be crucified. What kind of hero would do that? The passion and death of Jesus are quite counterintuitive.
While screen and comic book heroes are amazing, their actions are so unbelievable that we can’t relate to them as we can relate to Jesus, who lived in our world. He experienced pain, suffering and death. He could have used his godly power as a shortcut to avoid his passion and death, but he didn’t. He died to show us how to live. He chose to experience that suffering, and then he showed his superpower at the Resurrection.
His life shows that we are called to live in obedience to God and to those in authority, which seems to contradict our stereotypic image of a superhero because in the movies, they are not obeying others. They are in control, rescuing people and saving the day!
Obeying authority is easy when we agree, but what about when we disagree or find some laws/directives to be a nuisance or inconvenient? (We are not referring to situations that are illegal, immoral or unhealthy!) God’s invitation is that we are obedient to his Law of Love. He challenges us to “rise above” and respectfully obey his directives — even when we disagree — while seeking healthy ways to bring about change.
We can begin in our own homes. Being obedient does not mean that we, as parents, become bossy or bullies. Quite the contrary. Parents are called to be servant leaders in the home. We should lead by example. If our children see that we respectfully obey authority in our lives, such as driving the speed limit or wearing masks in public, then it is far easier for them to obey us at home. They will see that we “practice what we preach.”
If our children see that we handle conflict or disagreements by pursuing healthy options for fostering change, such as speaking with the person in charge or promoting legislation, rather than gossiping or complaining, then our children will be far more apt to find respectful ways to deal with things when they disagree with us. Obedience is not a childish quality or one that leads to subservience; rather, it is a virtue that is liberating and allows us to follow God more freely.
Please note that we are not referring to an oppressive or abusive “obedience.” We are referring to a healthy obedience which is liberating because we are choosing to leave our sinful ways behind and live as beacons of hope for the world around us. When a situation is unhealthy, abusive, illegal or immoral, the person who is victimized must seek support and safety immediately. Obedience to God should lead us on the path to health, happiness and holiness.
Jesus, our Superhero, cordially invites us …
WHO? Every person!
WHAT? “Let every person be subordinate to the higher authorities, for there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been established by God.” (Romans 13:1)
WHEN? Now! “It is the hour now for you to awake from sleep.” (Romans 13:11)
WHERE? Everywhere. “Let us then throw off the works of darkness [and] put on the armor of light; let us conduct ourselves properly as in the day.” (Romans 13:12-13)
WHY? “For our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.” (Romans 13:11)
We’d love to hear from you readers. How will you choose to follow in the footsteps of Jesus by being obedient to both God and authority? What changes do you think God is calling you to make?
If you have questions you would like addressed in “Embracing Family,” please email them to Sarah and David at Success@EmbraceFamilyLearning.com and we would be honored to lift you up in prayer and respond. If desired, you may remain anonymous.
