Authority…God’s Reputation Is At Risk

By Chad McComas

Through the years I’ve run across many people who wanted authority. They wanted to be in charge. They wanted to be called by a title. They wanted to tell others what to do. They wanted to share their wisdom with the masses.

But I learned an important lesson: Those who want to be in charge - never should be! Those who don’t want to be in charge – are safe to be in charge.

Jesus pointed this out to his disciples when James and John wanted to be on the left and right hand of Jesus. He said: “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave – just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:25-28

We hear much talk about the church having authority on earth given to us by God. But I fear that we often forget what that authority is for. It can easily be misunderstood and misused. Just think of the Crusades. Just think of the inquisition. The church was exercising her authority to either win or destroy those who stood against her.

Paul talks about the authority given to him and how he was to exercise it with the Corinthians. Notice: “This is why I write these things when I am absent, that when I come I may not have to be harsh in my use of authority – the authority the Lord gave me for building you up, not for tearing you down.” 2 Corinthians 13:10

Paul understood that as a leader his biggest job was to care for and encourage the people. There were times he had to be strong and direct, but the end goal was to build up the people.

Just looking at the life of Jesus shows us how to handle authority. He never forced people to follow Him, believe in what He taught or go against others. In fact He just lived a godly life and spoke godly things and people noticed. We read: “When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law.” Matthew 7:28,29

Evidently authority comes naturally when we are directly connected to God and follow His teachings and ways. Then in reality…it is the Lord’s authority working in and through us!

On the flip side to authority…we like having it, but usually hate being under it.

Paul tells us that we must submit to authority, not only to the Lord, but also in the church. Ouch! He says: “Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you.” Hebrews 13:17 (A great book on this is “Spiritual Authority” by Watchman Nee)

We often get around submitting by saying that we don’t agree with authority or that authority over us is not doing something right. But Paul even dealt with that. He tells us that we must also submit to secular authority…and they are not usually teaching Christian values. Notice: “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is not authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.” Romans 13:1

Authority is a huge issue. How will I submit to it? How will I use it? God’s reputation is at risk.

Chad McComas writes from Medford, Oregon. info@thechristianjournal.org