Article November 10, 1934 Issue

Authority

HERBERT L. FRANK

THE government of man rests exclusively with God, the one supreme authority, whose law constitutes a positive guide to health, harmony, happiness, and success. The Bible contains many examples of the recognition of divine authority by prophets and other spiritual leaders of Israel. A study of their experiences leaves one with the definite impression that their successes and failures were in proportion to their conformity or lack of conformity with the law of God.

The most perfect example of conformity to divine authority was, of course, Christ Jesus, who not only obeyed the law of God, but revealed to mankind a true sense of divine law based on his clear understanding of God as Love. Jesus' humble submission to and manifestation of divine authority found expression in his wonderful healing work, in which he demonstrated his authority over material beliefs of discord, sin, disease, and death.

The administration of authority in human affairs should always be in subordination to the divine, because God, divine Principle, Mind, Love, is the source and creator of all intelligence, goodness, and wisdom. Occupying a position of authority does not in any way exempt one from conforming to the demands of God. On the contrary, the trust imposed by such a position requires of one a humble submission to divine authority. Human authority which is exercised in accordance with the divine is compassionate, just, kind, merciful, loving, honest, is Godlike, and will surely bless all who come within its jurisdiction. But that false sense of authority which is cruel, tyrannical, intolerant, unjust, selfish, opposes in belief the purpose of omnipotent Mind, God, and for this reason cannot accomplish anything constructive.

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