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Obey Rightful Authority

 

The habit of obeying rightful authority enables you to grow in virtue, which leads to true happiness. Since Jesus said "repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God" (Matthew 22:21, Mark 12:17, Luke 20:25), the goal of this habit is to practice obedience to every rightful authority in our lives every day. The following are examples of ways to obey rightful authority every day:

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• Follow the Greatest Commandments (Matthew 22:34-40).

  • Obey the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1-17 and Deuteronomy 5:6-21).

  • Practice the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-12).

• Honor marriage vows and promises to others.

• Perform an honest day of work.

• Comply with traffic laws.

• Follow guidance from religious community, spiritual director, and professional counselor.