Esotropiart

Justin has been speaking about authority the last few weeks at Ethnos. I guess my mind subliminally captured some of the thoughts he provoked, saving them for later (Mary ponders as I do). In the meantime, I watched The Queen, a depiction of recent events in the life of Queen Elizabeth II. I don't know how accurate the portrayal is. There were several events I remember hearing about, though I don't follow that sort of tabloid gossip like so many do. High interest and awareness of "the royal family" is foreign to me. Quite frankly, I found the movie rather boring other than the provocative insight afforded into the potential vanity and apparent surreal pretense of it all. The movie sends a message that I have long held as my own opinion - that the British monarchy is largely a figurehead, rather than a position of absolute authority, demanding not even near the respect as that of kings and queens of old. I find this sort of politics quite odd and seemingly pointless to be perfectly honest. If it's a farce, why continue with it?

At any rate, as is often the case, my mind was all a clutter and boisterous with activation energy that night after watching the movie. I had to play video games late into the morning to distract myself, as is my practice. Here is the gist of what came rushing through my brain: How we view earthly authorities disturbingly may reflect how we view heavenly ones. In our modern (even post-modern) society, figures of authority are often the most frequently criticized, ridiculed, written off and defamed people of all. Just think of our senators, governors, presidents and the like. Leaders that demand and control true old world respect are few and far between. There still exist countries in which the subjects are truly subject to governing authorities (most by violent force). There is virtually nothing left of this practice or sentiment in the U.S. Rather it seems everyone lives for and to themselves. If a "command" as it were came from a "higher power", a U.S. citizen might smirk, shrug, remain inactive, indifferent, or outright rebel against the command. This sort of mentality is largely accepted and encouraged in our society - free thinking and acting for one's best interests and pleasure. Isn't this bizarre - what a huge diversion from old models of authority and subjugation - not that I devalue freedom, but come on, it must be balanced by respect! As the result of what I see in the news and as depicted in "The Queen", I consider the British monarchy (and many world governments and politicians) to be vain and almost ridiculous. However, this point of view or state of mind concerns me.

Obviously I would attempt to show due respect if I met the President of the United States or some Queen face-to-face, but it would not be utter respect and self-deprecation as seen in times of old. It would be on the level of "good manners" as taught growing up. When not in their immediate presence, however, I might simply think of the same authorities with disdain or without care. It is also significant to mention that lack of respect and disobedience shown to these figures are no longer punished significantly - it would just be considered "rude". Perhaps the only authorities that still enforce their own respect are policemen, judges and so on - those who keep the peace and hand out sentences. So the question is: If this is how I treat my earthly authorities, a king - how do I also treat the King of kings? Aren't there startling similarities? I am humbled by my seeming indifference. This can be seen when I sometimes almost flippantly pray to the Lord of Hosts, how I mostly ignore Him in my busy life, or fail to shout His praises, etc. It is oft a shame. Through these thoughts, I have become more aware of what it means to "fear the Lord" and why it is important. I don't want to think about God as I do politicians. He deserves all glory, all power, all praise, all love. I'll stop at that, as it could become a book. Let's try for a moment to let go of a little bit of our individuality and freedom that we so tightly hold on to as Americans... and assess whether or not we hold God Almighty (and even earthly authorities) even near to the place where He belongs. I certainly don't. Food for thought... for me, if for no one else.