One of the ObeyGC2 values is that work respects local community leaders.
This makes good sense from a practical perspective as well as simply being the right thing to do. Since ObeyGC2 work aims to be transformational, it is concerned with the entire community environment. Local community leaders play a major role in shaping the local environment. Generally, the more they can “buy in” to work and the more community-based the work is, the better chance it has to continue and prosper over the long haul.
Respecting the local community leaders also sets a good example for local believers and provides a good witness for those who are not yet believers. Clearly God wants us to respect our leaders and we can best represent Him when we model that.
Rom 13:1-7
13:1 Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2 Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. 4 For he is God’s servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God’s servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. 5 Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience.
6 This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. 7 Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.
