The Leadership ChallengeSample

Challenge 34

THE CENTURION: UNDERSTANDING AUTHORITY

READ: Matthew 8:1–13

Like military leaders throughout the centuries, the Roman centurion, a commander of 100 soldiers, clearly understood the concept of authority. Jesus commends his faith because the centurion recognizes that Jesus has authority over sickness and correctly concludes that Jesus can delegate that authority as He wishes. All authority is delegated, derived from a higher source. The centurion’s authority came from Caesar through the chain of command. The authority of the Christian comes from God, in two ways. Sometimes God gives us the authority of position—leadership roles and responsibilities in family, church, society, military, commerce, government, and so on. We also develop moral authority as we conform our character and action to God’s standards. The authority that accompanies our roles is important and to be respected, but I have learned throughout my military career that my effectiveness is magnified by my moral authority. Andy Stanley describes moral authority as alignment between a person’s convictions and behavior. Such alignment creates trust and influence, which is at the heart of leadership.

What else do we learn about the centurion’s character from the text? How are you building moral authority with those you are called to lead?