Honoring the Office

Matthew 23:1-3

Then spake Jesus to the multitude, and to his disciples,

Saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat:

All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not.

Jesus gave three observations and instructions to the multitude that followed Him as well as to His disciples concerning the scribes and the Pharisees:

Honor the office

Whatever I might think of the man in the office, I am obliged to acknowledge that he is in the office. The office is one of dignity and honor and I must always treat it as such.

Obey the authority

Along with the office comes an authority. I am obligated by God's Word to obey the authorities that be. In rare exceptions a Christian is called upon to obey God rather than men, but this exception should be exercised only after much prayer. The price of this rebellion is high. See that it is worth it.

Evaluate your actions

We are to do as they say but we are not to act as they do. Whatever disreputable thing they have done to be placed in a high office gives Christians no right to emulate them in hopes of reaching the same high estate.