Aligned Under Authority

This powerful message confronts us with a challenging truth: spiritual maintenance isn't a one-time event but an ongoing daily commitment. Drawing from Ephesians 6:1-3 and the principle of honoring authority, we're reminded that restoration requires consistent work. Just as we wouldn't expect a puppy to have full reign of the house without training, we can't expect spiritual maturity without daily alignment with God's will. The sermon challenges us to examine whether we're truly submitting all areas of our lives to God or just the comfortable ones. Are we seeking His will daily, or are we treating Jesus like a get-out-of-jail-free card? The Hebrew National commercial illustration—'we answer to a higher authority'—perfectly captures how our lives should operate. We're called to regular spiritual checkups, asking God to reveal what needs adjusting in our hearts. The most convicting point: God desires obedient hearts more than empty religious activity. Coming to church once a week while living disconnected the rest of the time isn't enough. We must align our thoughts, actions, and submission to authority—both heavenly and earthly—recognizing that rebellion against God-ordained structure leads to spiritual misalignment. The challenge is clear: are we doers of the Word or just hearers?