​​

Obey Rightful Authority

 

To obey rightful authority is 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:

​

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

  • Be poor in spirit by relying on God rather than wealth or possessions.

  • Be compassionate by comforting those who mourn.

  • Be humble by putting others' needs ahead of yours.

  • Be righteous by easing the suffering of others.

  • Be merciful by forgiving others and letting go of resentment.

  • Be pure by ensuring your actions are motivated by love for others.

  • Be peaceful by resolving conflicts and fostering reconciliation.

  • Be courageous by doing the right thing when it is unpopular.

• Honor your parents.

• Perform an honest day of work.

• Comply with traffic laws.