The Boss’ Boss

Bible Reading: 1 Peter 2:13–17

“I get tired of everybody bossing me around, Grandpa,” grumbled Tripp. “My teacher said I had to stay in at recess and finish my homework. Dad told me to clean the garage. Mom says I have to make my bed every day. And my Sunday school teacher gives me Bible verses to learn.”

“That’s quite a list of bosses,” said Grandpa.

“Yeah, and Pastor Green says I have to obey all of them!”

“And so you do,” Grandpa agreed, “because that’s what the Bible says.”

Tripp sighed. “I’ll be glad when I’m grown up and can be my own boss.”

Grandpa chuckled. “That’s just what I thought when I was your age, but now I have more bosses than ever!”

“You have bosses?” asked Tripp. “Who?”

“First of all, there’s God,” said Grandpa. “Second, your pastor is my pastor as well.”

“But does Pastor Green tell you what to do?” asked Tripp in surprise.

“He certainly does!” said Grandpa. “He doesn’t say, ‘Read your Bible’ or ‘Pay your tithes’ or ‘Visit the nursing home.’ But he often preaches sermons about what Jesus has done for me and how I can get to know Him better and show others His love. He helps me obey Jesus.”

“Who else tells you what to do?” Tripp asked.

“My employer gives me things to do at work,” said Grandpa. “The city council tells me if I can build a new house or keep chickens. The police tell me where I can park my car.”

“I guess you do have a lot of bosses.” Tripp sighed. “I guess that means I’ll always have bosses too.”

“Yes, but you’ll learn to appreciate them,” Grandpa assured him. “God didn’t place people in authority over us just to boss us around. They’re meant to guide us and help us grow. Even when we face a difficult situation with a boss, we can trust Jesus to help us through it and learn from it.”

“Wilson!” called Grandma. “Please come and take out this trash.”

Grandpa stood up. “Coming, Sarah.” He grinned at Tripp. “See? Even your grandmother tells me what to do.”

Tripp laughed. “Right, but if I were you, I’d do what she says!” •Barbara J. Westberg

How About You?

Do you feel like there are a lot of people who boss you around? Do you get tired of it and wish you could be your own boss? Remember that God has placed those people in authority over you. He knows you need their guidance. So obey and learn from them, and trust God to use your obedience to help you grow.

Today’s Key Verse: Romans 13:1 Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. (NLT)

Today’s Key Thought:

Obey those in charge