Just how obedient are Christians expected to be — and who expects them to be this way?

In recent posts, I’ve been discussing Christian submission toward leadership (Must We Obey Church Authorities? and Is It So Bad to Be a Lone Wolf Christian?), and you can’t bring up that topic without someone putting forth Hebrews 13: 17:

Generally, when you stand up for yourself — at work, school, or church — you do it alone. Dream Catcher, original painting by Steve Henderson, sold; licensed prints at Art.com, Amazon.com, Framed Canvas Art, and iCanvasArt

“Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you.”

The study notes below helpfully explain,

“Dictatorial leadership is not condoned by this command, but respect for authority, orderliness and discipline in the church are taught throughout the New Testament.”

This reminds me of the statement I regularly run into:

“Jesus talked more about hell than He ever did about love,” and my response is the same:

Really? Where?

In the New Testament, grace trumps law, every time.

If you are a thinking human being who questions where, and how much of, your loyalty to give, then please follow the link to Why Standing up for Yourself — at Church — Is So Important at my blog, Commonsense Christianity, BeliefNet.