The Bible inculcates a proper respect to persons in authority. “Render therefore to all their dues; tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour” (Rom. 13:7).
To “despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities,” the Apostle gives as marks of those who have “crept in unawares”; “ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness” (Jude 8 and 4). Ungodly pride and ambition are at the bottom of this unwillingness to respect those above us.
The celebrated Dr. Samuel Johnson says: “Your levelers wish to level down as far as themselves; but they can not bear leveling up to themselves. They would all have some people under them; why not, then, have some people above them?”
Love of having the pre-eminence makes sad havoc with personal piety and with the prosperity of the church. Such people are ready to reject their preachers. Diotrephes would not receive even the Apostle John, the beloved disciple.
–B.T. Roberts
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