Guided by The Gospel – Issue 170 (Questions of Faith: How Should I Interact with Leaders I Do Not Respect?)

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Respecting authority can be difficult—especially when the person in charge seems undeserving of it. Whether it’s a difficult boss, a corrupt politician, or a church or community leader whose actions have disappointed us, we often wrestle with the question: How do I honor leadership when I struggle to respect the person leading?

The Bible repeatedly calls us to honor authority, not because leaders are always righteous, but because God has established order. Romans 13:1 reminds us, “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established.” But what does this mean when a leader is unethical, unwise, or even hostile to faith?

Daniel served under multiple pagan kings who neither feared God nor shared his values. Yet he remained faithful, demonstrating wisdom and integrity without compromising his beliefs (Daniel 6:3-5). Likewise, David had multiple opportunities to harm Saul—a king who actively sought to kill him—but he refused, saying, “The Lord forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the Lord’s anointed” (1 Samuel 24:6).

Honoring leadership does not mean ignoring wrongdoing or remaining silent in the face of injustice. But it does mean that our actions, speech, and attitudes reflect Christ. We can stand for truth while still demonstrating humility. We can disagree while remaining honorable. And when leadership is abusive or harmful, we can pray, seek wise counsel, and take necessary steps to uphold justice while maintaining a Christlike heart.

Practical Takeaway: What Does This Mean for Us?

• Respect the role, even if the person is flawed. Leadership carries responsibility, and we honor God by respecting the position, even when we disagree with the person.
• Speak truth with wisdom and humility. It’s possible to stand up for what is right without resorting to slander or bitterness (Colossians 4:6).
• Pray for difficult leaders. Even if they seem far from God, prayer invites God to work in ways we may not see (1 Timothy 2:1-2).

Reflection and Challenge - Is there a leader in your life you struggle to respect? How can you honor their role while still standing firm in your convictions? If bitterness has crept in, ask God for wisdom in how to respond. I’d love to hear your thoughts—comment below or send me a private message if you’d like to discuss this further.

With Hope and Faith,

Edward C. Thomas

Guided by The Gospel

#guidedbythegospel #faith #honor #christianwalk #servantleadership