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--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Question: Why should we "obey God rather than men"?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Answer:
Putting God on top of the priority list is a must for all Christians who say that they love God. After all, it's not the number of hallelujahs that we shout on Sundays that matter. Rather, it's through our obedience to His Word that we ultimately show our love for Him.
There's an account in the Bible that shows what kind of Christians we must be – a people who would obey the Lord even if it means discomfort and persecution. In Acts 5, we see Peter and some apostles arrested for teaching the people the truth about Christ. They were healing people in the name of Jesus, and because of this, the temple guards and leading priests during that time confronted them.
Acts 5:26-32 describes how they were confronted, and how Peter responded beautifully.
"The captain went with his Temple guards and arrested the apostles, but without violence, for they were afraid the people would stone them. Then they brought the apostles before the high council, where the high priest confronted them.
"'We gave you strict orders never again to teach in this man's name!' he said. 'Instead, you have filled all Jerusalem with your teaching about him, and you want to make us responsible for his death!'
"But Peter and the apostles replied, 'We must obey God rather than any human authority. The God of our ancestors raised Jesus from the dead after you killed him by hanging him on a cross. Then God put him in the place of honour at his right hand as Prince and Savior. He did this so the people of Israel would repent of their sins and be forgiven. We are witnesses of these things and so is the Holy Spirit, who is given by God to those who obey him.'"
Do we have that same amount of faith and love for Christ, that even in the face of ex-communication, persecution, ridicule, and human authority, we would choose to stand up for Jesus and the truth?
Standing strong in the face of hardship
Peter said, "We must obey God rather than any human authority."
In today's world, various laws and other restrictions are being set up so that any Christian could be prosecuted and legally persecuted for just being true to his faith. Yet, notwithstanding this, we must stand up for Christ and the gospel truth.
There are cases of businesses being sued for declining to serve same-sex marriages. A certain county clerk in America was persecuted for not issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples. These people are worthy of our respect as Christians because they stood up for what God says is right.
Today's Christ-followers must realize that we have to stand strong and not be carried away by the world and its offerings. All hope is not lost. Although Christians are being persecuted left and right for standing on their faith in Christ, we must realize that this is to be expected! After all, "in the last days, there will be very difficult times. People will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred." (2 Timothy 3:1-2)
As for us, we must stand strong. The Lord Jesus Himself said in Matthew 24:12-13, "Sin will be rampant everywhere, and the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved."
Stand strong!
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