Legacy Leadership: Wisdom Of The Apostle PaulSample

Influence Without Asserting Authority – Part 2

In yesterday’s study we saw that Paul was reluctant to assert the authority inherent in his position. However, he understood that his principle role as a leader was to persuade, and he was not shy about exerting influence: “Knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade men” (2 Corinthians 5:11). He preferred to do this in the “meekness and gentleness of Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:1), using the means of appeal and encouragement without leaning on his formal authority. Paul was aware of his formal authority, yet he chose to use it “for building up and not tearing down” (2 Corinthians 13:10).

Paul’s reluctance to rely on his formal authority reflects the teachings of Jesus concerning the use of coercive power by those who would lord their authority and position over their followers. Jesus’ disciples had an ongoing debate about who among them would be the greatest in the coming kingdom. He responded to their ambition by instructing them on the proper use of authority:

“The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who have authority over them are called ‘Benefactors.’ But it is not this way with you, but the one who is the greatest among you must become like the youngest, and the leader like the servant. For who is greater, the one who reclines at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at the table? But I am among you as the one who serves.” (Luke 22:24–27)

Paul was aware of the authority and responsibility which had been entrusted to him, but he follows Jesus’ instructions by refusing to lord his authority over the Corinthians (2 Corinthians 1:22–24). He wrote 2 Corinthians with the hope that by sending the letter he would not need to “use severity in accordance with the authority which the Lord had given him” when he came to see them. His earnest desire was to use his formal authority for “building up and not tearing down” (2 Corinthians 13:10).

Paul was intentional about using his authority to build up and not to tear down. He modeled the way and expected other leaders to follow his example. In his letter to the church in Ephesus, Paul specifically addressed the relationships between masters and slaves. We can read that today as the relationship between leaders and followers, or managers and employees. He reminds both parties that they are to treat each other with respect “as to the Lord,” and then explicitly tells the masters to “give up threatening” (Ephesians 6: 5-9). Paul could exhort others to give up threatening because he himself refused to use this as an influence tactic.

Reflect and Act on these questions:

• How do you respond when a leader chooses to “lord it over you” by asserting their authority?
• How do you feel when someone tries to influence you by threatening? How would you prefer to be influenced?
• Have you ever used threats to influence others? How effective was that strategy?
• Think about the various forms of authority you have (at work, at home, at church). Do you use your authority to “build up”?