In the early 90’s, high top fades with several parts and word art were popular hair cuts styles. The 90’s were in my teenage years, so of course, I had the most recent hair design. My childhood barber was good at meeting my request. He was an extremely bright and creative guy, who could freestyle rap at any moment; creatively find humor in non-humor situations. One day, while cutting my hair, this extroverted barber noticed the significant difference between the size of my head and his other customers. The flood gates of jokes began. The most memorable is his explanation of how he should charge me for two haircuts, instead of one because of my head size. After what seemed like an eternity, he discontinued his joking by closing his performance in nicknaming me ‘Bull Head’.
At first, it seemed that only his family favored the new nickname. However with time, it became pretty popular with the men and my peers in the community. When my dad first heard ‘Bull Head!’ he hysterically laughed. He claimed that it was perfect. He thought it was given to me, because of my stubbornness. Instead of the head the size of a bull, he viewed it as the temperament of a bull. Unfortunately, it was justifiable no matter how you viewed it. I absolutely hated when someone told me what to do. Also, my head was larger than any of my friends.
After leaving my neighborhood for college, the nickname faded away. No one at my new residence called me, ‘Bull Head!’ Although, the nickname wasn’t with me any longer, the head and stubbornness were. I still resented when any authority corrected me; even the more, if I felt they were a person unworthy of my respect. A college basketball coach quickly became this identity. Although, my coach was inducted into two halls of fame for his career achievements; I did not overall respect him. I didn’t feel respected, so he received no respect regardless of his authority and position as my coach. Verbally sharing with coaches, bosses, and professors my discontent with their ability to lead, instruct, and relate became a lifestyle.
In my mind, it was justifiable. If you lacked passion, care, and concern for leading, coaching, or teaching people and held a position that allowed you to do so; someone needed to let you know. That someone typically was me. Regardless of the ramifications, I spoke my mind. “I was keeping it real!” I was being ‘Bull Head!’ It wasn’t that I hated authority, but I hated when authority didn’t live up to my personal standards. This is why; I was so comfortable for such a long time verbally belittling them.
Not until I was married did I truly realize that I had an issue with authority. My conservatively outspoken wife challenged my behavior. Also, being in a leadership position allowed empathy for those I had brutally critiqued. Romans 13:1-2, read as follows…
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. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.
Bringing judgment on oneself is exactly what I was doing. No one needed to ‘call me out’ as the Holy Spirit gently reminded me how I wasn’t living up to the standards that I had set for others. After a few years of management roles, fatherhood, and being a husband, humility set in. Life circumstances taught me that I’m better off staying true to God’s Word regarding authority.
Being disobedient to this scripture can be accomplished on many levels. Maliciously complying to your boss, while discussing your dislike for him/her does not honor God. Belittling the President of the United States for any matter is contrary to God’s will. Falsifying details about your spouse to friends and family shame your God-given covenant of marriage. Criticizing your parent’s child rearing is dishonorable. Whether your claims are somewhat justifiable, this behavior weakens your testimony as a Christian and according to Romans 13, forecast judgment.
Through most awkward authority relationship, there was something that God desired for me to learn. I believe this to be the same for most people. David succeeded in his efforts to obey God regarding authority. At the time David was anointed King of Israel, there was an acting king, Saul. Saul was selected as king upon the request of the Israelites. After a battle against the Philistines, Saul disobeyed God by keeping property that was informed to be destroyed. After Saul’s disobedience, God rejected him as king and anointed David. David rose in fame amidst his people. Upon hearing of David’s killing of Goliath, Saul requested the assistance of David. As David became more popular, Saul’s jealousy manifested into a murdering evil spirit. David ran away from Saul. Throughout this period of ‘cat and mouse’, David had opportunities to kill Saul. However, he did not. The bible states that David would not harm the ‘… Lord’s anointed’ but was aware that the Lord would deal with him justly (1 Samuel 9-24). What integrity, patience, and faith it took for him to be so honorable.
Unfortunately, in this life, we will be given many opportunities to be ‘David or Bull Head’. Choose to be a David in your authority relationships. Recognize that David provided a godly example in his behavior. Doing so will emulate true Christianity, as Jesus submitted to the cross under the world’s authority for the sake of God’s will. We are to peacefully do the same. Although, the size of your head may be smaller than mine; you still can be a ‘Bull Head’! Remember, harming authority begins with a thought. Be sure to align your thoughts to the will of God (2 Corinthians 10:5).
Stay encouraged!
