Learning To Obey: A Lady's Perspective
by Mrs. Marian Schwartz
While
our instructor speaks to a visitor or parent, or is concerned with other
business, he may assign someone to warm up the class, or continue a floor
exercise. As one of four adult Black Belts in our school, I am sometimes
called upon to begin class. The higher ranking members of this group, even those
students who may be my seniors, recognize the authority invested to me by our
instructor. The three ranked Black Belts in the front row are high
school freshmen. They have been friends from their infant days in the church
nursery, and they seem to share one mind and purpose. The delight these three
young men have in each other's company, fused with their unquenchable spirits,
produce an effervescent frivolity. "Mr.___, Mr.___, and Mr.___, we
are here to work. Drop down and give me 15 pushups, please." I am
compelled to require their attention. "Yes, MA'AM!" they answer.
Had I been in line with the other students, and voiced my displeasure from the
back row, the probability that they would swiftly obey and do pushups diminishes
impressively. However, the command carried the authority of our instructor, who
had entrusted the orderly and productive administration of the class into my
temporary care. Therefore, it was the position and prerogative of Mr. Ortiz that
was acknowledged, and not mine. Furthermore, it is necessary for me to be
diligent and demonstrate courtesy and respect to every student, and obedience to
seniors and instructors. Also, I am to be as one under authority, doing my best
to learn a difficult discipline.
Too often we try to direct our lives from the "back row," but we
do not have the authority to make an impact. If we are placed in a
position of authority, we must first learn to practice personal obedience to
those in authority. The Bible records the account of the Roman Centurion
whose servant was dying (Matthew 8). The Centurion asked that Jesus heal
his servant, but sent word that Jesus need not come all the way to the house to
give the order. The Centurion was one under the authority of his superiors. He
had men under him obeying his directives. He recognized authority in Jesus'
life, and knew the strength of that authority. The Centurion knew Jesus'
commands must be obeyed. Jesus commended this Roman soldier, saying he had
not seen faith like this in all Israel. The Centurion realized the necessity of
trusting and obeying the authority. Consequently, he was commended.
This important decision of obeying the authority is one of eternal significance.
Personal strength lies in relinquishing our claim upon our lives, and submitting
to God's authority and will. This, too, is a difficult discipline.
When we obey, we learn!
