Use Authority Wisely
In places the ridgeline was razor thin- perhaps a foot or less wide- but it was also a sheep trail. As I looked down into the first 'bowl' up the valley, I didn't see my partners but I DID see our band of rams 300 yards beneath me. Another ram had joined them, so instead of seven there were eight. Not only that, but the eighth ram was also legal, and the two mature rams were battling it out for dominance. This was the first and only time I've seen Dall sheep rams do this during the hunting season.
This battle for dominance seems universal, doesn't it? We see it play out in homes and workplaces and schools and sports. There are certainly positive aspects to right- hearted competition, but the need to dominate is the result of sin in the world. It is to use power for personal gain regardless of the cost to others. Authority rightly used is focused on serving others and improving their lives.
Only those who are evil reject authority. We see this evil both in the behavior of half our politicians and in the rioters they are inciting and funding. We also see it in our national media, schools and universities. Make no mistake, rebellion against godly authority is slavery, and the party of rebellion always wants to make people it's slaves. Don't fall into that trap. Compete- yes, use authority wisely- yes, but do not dominate others, and you will be blessed! -Pastor Brad
Written on February 8, 2026
Posted in Daily Devotions