July 14 – Recognizing Authority

Micah 6:8

 

Romans 13:1

“Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established.”

SITREP:

How do you lead others while still submitting to authority yourself? That’s a question every seasoned soldier wrestles with. Whether you wear rank or follow someone who does, there comes a moment where leadership isn’t just about giving orders—it’s about taking them. Romans 13:1 is a battlefield reminder: you may command, but you are never out of command. God sits at the top of the chain, and He doesn’t delegate His sovereignty.

Paul wrote this to Christians in Rome, many of whom lived under a hostile empire. The Roman government didn’t roll out the welcome mat for believers—it often persecuted them. And yet, Paul calls them to submit to governing authorities—not because those authorities were righteous, but because God’s authority is. It’s not a call to blind obedience, but a call to honor, humility, and trust in God's oversight—even when leadership on the ground is flawed.

Breaking Down the Verse:

• “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities…”
– No exceptions. Soldiers, officers, civilians, commanders—we all serve under someone. Submitting isn’t weakness—it’s mission discipline.

• “…for there is no authority except that which God has established.”
– That colonel, that politician, that superior you struggle to respect? Their position exists because God allowed it. You don’t have to agree—but you are called to obey, unless that command contradicts God's Word.

• “The authorities that exist have been established by God.”
– God uses flawed leaders for His perfect purposes. That doesn’t justify injustice—it just reminds you that He’s never off-duty. He’s always in control.

How This Applies to a Soldier’s Faith:

You live in a world where the command structure is sacred. Orders are followed not because the leader is always right, but because the system works when people respect it. Spiritually, the same applies.

·         You follow lawful orders because they uphold discipline—and because your obedience reflects your trust in God.

·         You lead others knowing your authority isn’t ultimate—it’s temporary, delegated, and accountable to the One who gave it.

·         When you struggle with leadership above you, you pray, stay faithful, and remember: God sees it all.

You know what it means to serve honorably under pressure. This verse calls you to serve faithfully under authority—even when it’s hard. And if you’re the one in charge? Lead like you’re going to report to the King—because you will.

ENDEX:

You might carry rank, but God holds command. Romans 13:1 reminds you that leadership begins with submission—to lawful authority and ultimately to the Lord. Respect the structure. Lead with integrity. And trust that God’s sovereignty runs deeper than any order, any title, or any earthly chain of command.

AAR:

Who do you answer to when authority feels flawed? Romans 13:1 calls every soul—not just civilians—to submit to governing authorities, because there is no authority except that which God has established. That’s a tough order for anyone who’s seen leadership misused or orders given from pride instead of purpose. But this verse doesn’t base obedience on the leader’s merit—it bases it on God’s sovereignty. Even flawed chains of command serve His bigger plan. Your challenge: Think about the authority figures in your life right now—on duty, at home, or in church. Have you been honoring God through how you respond to them? Submission doesn’t mean silence—but it does require humility and trust in the One who placed them there.

Honor the Chain of Command, Even When It’s Crooked

In every unit, there’s a chain of command—and ignoring it can cost lives. Spiritually, it’s no different. God’s authority structure isn’t always comfortable, but it is intentional. Submitting doesn’t mean agreeing with every call—it means trusting that God is still in control when the human leaders aren’t. When you choose to honor authority, you’re honoring God’s authority. That kind of discipline speaks louder than rebellion. It’s not weakness—it’s warfare of a higher kind. You’re not bowing to man. You’re standing in alignment with the Commander of all things.

Make your voice count—share what you’ve lived.

Share your experiences in the comments below. Your words could encourage someone else walking a similar path.

If you're comfortable, include as much or as little personal detail as you’d like. We suggest:

• Name
• Veteran, Retired, Family Member etc.
• Service Branch
• Years of Service (or Deployment Dates and Locations)

Every story matters—and yours might be exactly what someone else needs to hear.