Saturday, June 13, 2020

More thoughts on authority.

For others...
God grants people authority to accomplish something. The authority is meant to organize and keep on task a group that is pursuing a particular mission or end.
Think about it a bit. Even if we are talking about a snow cone stand, the manager has been given authority to safely steward the owner’s resources in such a way as to deliver a product to a customer while also making a profit for the owner while also providing employment to people who need to earn wages. The abuse of authority OR the abuse of employment messes up the entire process AND cheats all involved.
Think through other settings. Imagine other leaders. Imagine other types of employees.
Think about this situation in things other than business. Imagine, if you can, how an unwillingness to follow just commands affects others.
Here’s one more example; think about the person who drives like a maniac through traffic. Even if nothing happens physically, what does this sort of person do emotionally to other drivers? What could happen with such irresponsible use of one’s authority over even an inanimate car?
The Apostle John faced a problem with a gentleman who would not submit to apostolic authority. John wrote, “I have written something to the church, but Diotrephes, who likes to put himself first, does not acknowledge our authority.” (3 John 1:9 ESV)
Do you see the core problem? Diotrephes liked to “put himself first...”
As someone who should’ve been submitted to apostolic teaching, putting himself first caused conflict above him and created conflict below him. Those not willing to be led make poor leaders.
The core of the problem with both accepting authority and justly exercising authority is wanting to put self first.

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