NOVEMBER 2, Romans 13:1

Hannah walked into the house with a big grin on her face. “Mom,” she called out, “we had the best time in school today!” “What did you do that was so much fun?” asked Mom with a smile.

“Oh, we had a substitute teacher today. It was so funny!” Hannah laughed. “Some of the kids switched seats, so throughout the day the teacher was calling them the wrong names. Pete and Joel lied to her that our teacher always let us out earlier for recess and we got out five minutes before the other classes!!”

Mom frowned. “How would your substitute teacher know who the kids are or where they were supposed to sit?” she asked. Hannah shrugged. “I know our teacher left a seating chart with everybody’s name on it,” she said.

“But if the kids used each other’s names, how would the sub know if they were in the right seats or not?” asked Mom. “And how would she know the boys were lying about being let out early for recess? No one corrected them, right?”

“Well, no. I… I guess she wouldn’t know,” admitted Hannah. “Why didn’t you tell her?” asked Mom. “Showing her respect and obeying her is not only common courtesy; it’s a command from God!”

Hannah’s eyes widened. “It is?” she asked in surprise. “I know the Bible mentions about obeying parents, but it doesn’t mention teachers, does it?” “When you were learning your memory verse during Bible Study Class last week, I heard you recite it several times,” Mom said. “It was Romans 13:1, right? Who does it say you should be subject to? Who should you respect and obey?”

Hannah thought for a moment. “Ah-h-h” “Yes,” said Mom. “We’re to obey anyone who is in authority over us, aren’t we?” “Oh! Well, she’s just a substitute,” replied Hannah with a shrug. “It doesn’t matter.” “Oh, yes, it does matter!” exclaimed Mom. “When she’s teaching your class, you are under her authority. Like I said, God commands that you obey her.”

“I-I-I’m sorry,” stuttered Hannah. “I… I know what I’ll do! I think she’s coming back tomorrow, so I’ll tell her who the kids are and what rules we have!”

Thought: How do you treat teachers or substitute teachers in school or Sunday school?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, teach me to be kind, and respectful to everyone, especially respect those whom You have placed in authority over me and to obey them. In Jesus’ holy name, Amen.