Who is Your Authority?

As I continue in my physical journey in this life, I am made aware over-and-over, example-after-example, that all sin starts with the wrong view of Who is the authority over all things.  Would any of us lie, cheat, or steal seeking gain for ourselves if we were living second-by-second accepting in full knowledge the Creator and Overseer of our souls specifically told us not to take from others in order to lift ourselves but to give to others instead through words, deeds, or materials?  And not just to give what they need, but more than they need (Mt 5:40-42).

The immediate area of concern in everyone's life at all times is this: Who is the authority over your life at this very moment?  Maybe you're tired of your marriage.  Does God say you can get tired of it?  If not, then who is the authority in your life?  Maybe you hate someone who has done you wrong.  Does God say you can hate them?  If not, then who is the authority in your life?  Maybe you've decided that now it is time to live for you and its time you got something from life.  Does God say you live this life for yourself?  If not, then who is the authority in your life?  Maybe you want to be a part of a movement and a culture of change for the world.  Does God say your life should stand for that movement; does the movement line up with His Word?  If not, then who is the authority in your life?  ...  And this type of questioning could go on-and-on looking at every detail in our life.

If we do not take the time to acknowledge this topic and do some self-analysis and continue making decisions "on the fly", we need to know that we are telling God that we know better about sexuality, revenge, idolatry, and our purpose or calling than He does.  Isn't it absurd to believe such a thing!  We would never openly say that we believe that, but we make decisions everyday that confirm that we believe that!  What speaks louder about our beliefs, our actions, or what we think we believe?  There is no substitute for the right action.

Do not make another life decision without first confirming who the authority is over that decision.  Do not have another emotion without first confirming who the emotion should represent.  Do not believe another word without first confirming from whom the word is spoken from.  Make God the authority over every decision, every emotion, and all knowledge.