COMMENTARY: Ultimate Authority
David Salvatelli
November 5, 2009
Filed under Commentary
Ultimate adj. furthest; last; final; fundamental; most important
Joshua’s well-known ultimatum to “choose this day whom you will serve” (Joshua 24:15) has strong implications for us as Christians. While we may tacitly believe in the ultimate authority of the Lord, as we walk out that belief in the real world, we must work out whom we will serve, because that’s who’ll really have the final say in the myriad of circumstances we face.
Self
Unless we determine that He must increase and we must decrease, we’re destined to dwell in Christianity’s minor leagues, if at all.
“Those who are still under the control of their sinful nature can never please God.” (Romans 8:8)
Society – friends + culture
Many of us have bowed to social influences that are inconsistent with who we are becoming in Christ.
“And be not conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” (Romans 12:2)
Satan
We may not deliberately place Satan as our ultimate authority, but it’s he who infiltrates our lives through our fleshly desires (self) and social relationships to turn us from the Lord.
“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood… but against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Ephesians 6:12
Spirit of God
While it’s inevitable that we’ll experience friction as self, society and Satan vie for the final word in our lives, when the Lord is our ultimate authority His plan for our best can be fulfilled.
“For I know the plans that I have for you, says the Lord… plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11
If you have any questions about this Commentary or CCA, contact me at davids@ccaeagles.org or 954-315-4330.