Is your outlook founded in the fear of God? Allow the Holy Spirit to open your eyes so you can see His delegated authority the same way He does.

So I beg you not to surrender to those desires that fight against you. Always let others see you behaving properly, even though they may still accuse you of doing wrong. 1 Peter 2:11–12 CEV

In our discussion of honor, we must not forget what Peter wrote in these verses. Even when we do submit and obey, we may still be accused of doing wrong. I have heard people reason, “What good does it do? I submit, but I still get blamed for things I haven’t done wrong.” They have lost sight of the fact that their obedience is to the Lord and their reward comes from Him. The fact is, when we behave and speak in a manner that disrespects our authorities, we add to the power of lawlessness at work today. This behavior wars against the restraining power of the Holy Spirit.

The Bible tells us: For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only He who now restrains will do so until He is taken out of the way. 2 Thessalonians 2:7 NKJV

Neglecting honor because of misunderstanding or false accusation can cause us to open the door to lawlessness. To counteract this error, we need the fear of the Lord. Those who fear God are those who keep the Lord’s high and lofty position before them. Because they know God has delegated His own authority to those who lead them, reverential fear and respect for all leadership are firmly implanted in their lives.

Remember Isaiah’s description of Jesus: His delight is in the fear of the Lord, and He shall not judge by the sight of His eyes, nor decide by the hearing of His ears…Isaiah 11:3 NKJV

Jesus’s delight is in the fear of the Lord. This perspective is what enabled Him not to judge by natural sight or hearing. That is exactly what we need to honor well!

It is difficult to honor when we do not see authority with eyes enlightened by the fear of the Lord. So, is your outlook founded in the fear of God? As you spend time with Him this week, allow the Holy Spirit to open your eyes so you can see His delegated authority the way He does. As He renews your mind, you will gain His perspective so you can enjoy the protection and provision that are found under His divine authority.


Adapted from Under Cover: The Promise Of Protection Under His Authority (Thomas Nelson, 2001).