“Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.”–Hebrews 13:17
Christian Herter is well-known as the fifty-third United States Secretary of State under President Dwight Eisenhower from 1959-1961, but held many different political positions throughout his life including Under Secretary of State, member of the U.S. House of Representatives, first United States Trade Representative, and governor of Massachusetts. A humorous story comes from his time spent campaigning for a reelection to the Massachusetts governorship. While on the road, he spent many days giving speeches, talking with voters, and traveling from town to town. As is typical with political candidates, his days were long and grueling, and he often looked forward to times when he could relax. One day he was scheduled to appear at a church picnic, and before he spoke to the crowd, he joined the attendees in a line for the potluck buffet.
As he progressed in the line, he reached a lady serving chicken. She served him one, but being especially hungry that day Herter asked, “Could I please have another piece of chicken?” The woman replied, “I’m sorry but I’m only supposed to give one chicken per person.” “But I’m starving,” he retorted. “Nope. One chicken for everybody” was her reply. While Governor Herter wasn’t normally a boastful man, he decided the extra piece of chicken was worth it, “Do you know who I am? I am the governor of this state!” Not missing a beat, the lady replied, “Do you know who I am? I am the lady in charge of the chicken. Now move along, sir.”
Hester thought his authority as governor would persuade the chicken lady to give him another piece, but he didn’t realize her authority at the picnic outranked his. While this is a humorous story about authority, God gives us a serious message about honoring the authority in our lives in Hebrews 13, “Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves.”–-Copied
