“It is God who enables us, along with you, to stand firm for Christ. He has commissioned us, and he has identified us as his own by placing the Holy Spirit in our hearts as the first installment that guarantees everything he has promised us.”
‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭1:21-22‬ ‭NLT‬‬

God is the One who gives us the calling, the commission, and the consecration. He has given His Spirit to those who are truly His. His Spirit gives us the power to fulfill His purpose. The presence of the Holy Spirit within gives us assurance of His ownership. This sets us apart from the world and gives us His seal of acceptance and approval. We do not need the approval of others to be approved by God. Certainly, we should represent our Lord Jesus in character and conduct. Our reputation should be one of a consecrated life. What Paul is talking about in this text of scripture is God's anointing and appointing. When God designates and determines, that is the ultimate call, commission, and consecration. God is the one who sets up and takes down. He is the one who establishes the order of authority and leadership within His body. Paul was battling against a segment within the church that didn't want to accept his authority over them. There was one problem - God had placed him in that position. It is vitally important to understand and submit to God. When we do not submit to those whom God has placed over us, we are, in effect, being insubordinate to God. This doesn't mean that the person over us is God. Only God is God. However, God has placed within life itself an order of authority. Unless the authority violates the principles of God's word, we are required to submit. It doesn't mean that we have to be in complete understanding. It simply means that we recognize the authority over us. When we do this, harmony is restored and health is revived. God is pleased with us when we simply submit our lives to His order. It seems that there are some who think that their only accountability is to God. Yes, we are accountable to Him. However, He has placed us under a designated authority. Let me give a few examples: A father has authority over a child, a boss has authority over his workers, the law enforcement officer has authority over the traffic violator. These are only a few examples. In life there are many designated authorities. Within the church, God has placed designated authority as well. We would do well to learn this biblical truth and apply it to our lives. It will bring protection and promotion.

Prayer for today: Father, in Jesus name, help me understand Your authority in every area of life. I humble myself before You. Help me realize that you are watching how I respond to authority and how that relates to Your promotion in my life.