If you believe that you’ve ‘earned’ your authority or that your authority comes because of who you are… you are mistaken. Authority is one of those words we tend to toss around but really don’t understand what it means or its affects… even when it’s used! And yes, it is important and we do ‘bestow’ and/or permit others to exercise authority in and over our lives – sometimes without ever determining whether or not they ‘deserve’ it or have been granted it (from/by whom). Actually, how did they gain their control over us? Authority:
“power to influence or command thought, opinion, or behavior” (Webster)
This is Webster’s definition of authority. Rather an all inclusive statement without designating how and/or from whom they received their legitimate(?) position. One question is do you accept it without question? And if this legitimizing has been given to you – how do you exercise your authority? What do you do if your authority isn’t acknowledged? And: how do you accept another’s authority?
When we consider spiritual authority we see, from scripture, from whom it came, over what the authority can exercise it’s ‘power’. Questions don’t typically arise because in the exercise of their authority they don’t pound you over the head with their status nor do they act on it irresponsibly.
“Listen carefully: I have given you authority [that you now possess] to tread on serpents and scorpions, and [the ability to exercise authority] over all the power of the enemy (Satan); and nothing will [in any way] harm you. Nevertheless do not rejoice at this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are recorded in heaven.” (Luke 10;19-20, AMP)
This is specific and directed. And, the one authorizing the authority is none other than the Lord! Jesus has provided us this ability. But also notice who is in the cross-hairs: it isn’t people, it’s those we are in warfare against (Ephesians 6:12). I believe that the Lord is quite explicit when He indicates who our enemy is. Though the devil uses people for his purposes, people really aren’t our enemy.
If you feel that you have to defend your authority… then something is decidedly wrong. When it comes to Jesus, Mathew 28:18 makes it clear because it forms the foundation for the Great Commission:
“Jesus came up and said to them, “All authority (all power of absolute rule) in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.”
This also provides us with a model to follow when we determine if the person indicating their authority, actually has it. First we see who provides their authority in the first place, next the purpose for exercising the authority, and the length of time the authority is in existence. This also provides us our basis for understanding our authority. I believe that a significant caveat is the trust factor – we believe and follow the one who is in authority because they have provided, and proved, the methodology by their own actions.
Both the Luke and Matthew scriptures tell us that WE have authority and that we should be exercising it. Our ‘proof’ is if we speak and act as Christians and witness to who we are and the source of our authority. One thing I’m fairly confident about is that our authority is based in the call on our life. When we are functioning in this then the Lord increases our authority and it is so obvious and yet comes not from us.
‘Authority’, whether spiritual or carnal, is important but too often tossed about . Our job is to verify before accepting… but once accepted, then we have the responsibility to act on this: whether it is we who are exercising our given authority or another person functioning in this position. Authority is too important to act casually or cavalierly about/on. Ultimately we are responsible for what we do with and about authority.
