Pastor Les Walthers
Grace Reformed Baptist Church

Many may not be familiar with the term "existentialism." It is a term which is relevant in our day. The definition given by the Dictionary is: "a modern movement encompassing a variety of themes, among them, the doctrine that individual existence determines essence, that man has absolute freedom of choice but that there are no rational criteria serving as a basis for choice." This movement has made a negative impact on our generation and we are suffering the consequences. Its teachings, in one form or another have surreptitiously infiltrated our educational institutions from grade school to graduate schools.

Those who are devoid of a work of God's saving grace do not willingly accept the fact that others have a rightful authority over them. Modern existentialism tends to blur interpersonal relationships resulting in each individual being his own independent authority. This teaching totally ignores that God has supreme and absolute authority over us and that He has not only created us, but He has also created certain relationships which of necessity involve a rightful authority. Relationships involve responsibility and responsibility requires authority and submission to authority. God requires that we not only submit to rightful authority, but that we also render honor to whom honor is due. Romans 13:7 "Render to all what is due them: tax to whom tax is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor."

Modern existentialism teaches that authority is based only on the performance of duty, not in the relationship which we sustain to others. In other words, if one thinks that the person to whom he sustains a relationship is not doing a good job, then one is exempt from acknowledging the authority which is inherent in the relationship. If an employee thinks that the boss is not doing a
good job, then there is no need to carry out the duties which are required by the employer. If Joe Citizen thinks that the policeman is not acting like he thinks a policeman ought to act, then he is exempt from civil authority. If the young student in the classroom thinks that the teacher is not a good teacher, then there is no need to obey the teacher.

God made it clear in His word, that we are to accept the authority which He has placed over us. Romans 13:1 "Let every person be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God." There is no exemption clause based on one's personal opinion as to how the one in authority is carrying
out their responsibility. God requires submission to those in authority simply because they are authority. Many conclude that those in authority are not doing a good job simply because they are not being allowed to have their own way. That is not a Biblical reason for disobeying those who have rightful authority over us whether they be parents, teachers of law enforcement
officers. One of the reason why we are seeing a rise of anarchy in our society is that many have been influenced by the teaching that man has absolute freedom of choice and that there are no rational criteria serving as a basis for choice.