Awakening: How To Follow JesusEsimerkki

AUTHORITY

"The authority by which the Christian leader leads is not power but love, not force but example, not coercion but reasoned persuasion. Leaders have power, but power is safe only in the hands of those who humble themselves to serve."" - John Scott

Authority is a gift from God to serve mankind, but in this age authority has become a position to defy instead of defend. This generation has a distorted view of authority because of the abuses it has endured by sinful men, but authority was put on earth by God to help people and not hinder them. Authority should be a place that you run towards for protection, and look to for guidance. A man with no authority is a man with no accountability. If you want to be a person of authority you must first be under authority.

Our view of authority will affect our view of God. One time a centurion in the Roman army came to Jesus asking for help for his paralyzed servant who was suffering. When Jesus offered to come with him the Roman centurion replied, “Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, 'Go,' and he goes; and that one, 'Come,' and he comes. I say to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it.” When Jesus heard this, he was amazed and said to those following him,” Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith.” This mans understanding of Gods authority shaped his faith, and wowed his Creator. It is not rebels who are venerated in the kingdom of God, but men and woman who submit to Gods authority.