Honoring Others in Authority

Last week, we begin discussion of the final 7 commandments, all of which deal with our relationships with others.  And we further discussed how God begins those human relationship commands at home, compelling us to honor our parents.

But Luther in explaining this commandment argues that God is speaking about more than just our relationship with our parents.  “We are to fear and love God, so that we do not despise or anger our parents OR OTHERS IN AUTHORITY,” says Luther (emphasis added).  As if honoring our parents were not challenge enough, Luther suggests that we also ought to show honor to anyone with authority over us.

How about that for a challenge in our politically tumultuous times?!

I do not have time for a lengthy treatise on honoring those with authority over us.  But we can at least spend a few moments pondering the ideals that Luther places before us.  In all our human relationships, we should desire than respect, obedience, love, and service would abound.  Not just one or two of those qualities.  All four, mingled together.  And if we want those qualities to abound in our human relationships, the place where I can best make that happen is in how I treat others.

I might disagree with some of my elected leaders.  I might have concerns that others are abusing their power.  I might have a disagreement with my parents or neighbors about one thing or another.  But I can still make sure that my response to them is rooted in respect, obedience, love, and service.

Probably the trickiest word there is “obedience.”  Don’t think of it as blindly letting someone boss you around.  Think of it as honoring the authority that has been given them.  Now that I’m an adult, my parents don’t have authority over me.  But I can honor the authority they do have in their lives.  They do have the right to make their own decisions.  The same with my neighbor, a police officer, and the governor.

Near as I can tell, our world could use a lot more respect, obedience, love, and service.  So for my part, I will redouble my efforts to keep the 4th commandment.  You redouble your efforts, too.  May God journey with us as we seek honor and mutual respect in all our human relationships. 

P.S. – Join us in the sanctuary!  This Sunday (11/1) is  All-Saints Sunday. We will be ringing the bell, lighting candles, and remembering those who have gone before us – and celebrating the newest saints among us through baptism.  We’re also going to brave the elements and lead a brief service of remembrance in the parking lot at 10am, too!  If you’d like to join us in the sanctuary, sign up by calling the church office or visiting our website: https://www.wadenaimmanuel.org/sanctuary-worship-registration. 

Facebook Live, YouTube, and the Radio … and House Church, too – there are lots of other ways to be the church at this time.  You can watch our Sunday services on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/immanuelwadena/), watch our YouTube videos (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVMFQfq69KQTMX70_5fwARQ), listen to us on the radio (KWAD 920AM at 9:30am each Sunday) or participate in House Church (https://www.wadenaimmanuel.org/housechurch).

Thank You Thanksgiving Dinner

All members of the congregation age 50 or older are invited to sign up for this year’s “Grab and Go” Thank You Thanksgiving.  This is a youth event to thank members of Immanuel for their generosity to our young people.  This is a free event to say thank you. The drive-through pick up will be Sunday, November 22 - 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Please RSVP by Monday, November 16 so we know how many meals to prepare. To RSVP: 1) Call church office 2) Register on Immanuel's website (wadenaimmanuel.org); or 3) Sign up on church bulletin board.  If you would like to donate to this event, the youth are appreciative of monetary donations which will complement the Thrivent Grant we received to purchase ingredients and to-go containers.

Check out our news page to learn more and for other important announcements: https://www.wadenaimmanuel.org/announcements

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