Living in Increase (Part 6) - Increase in LeadershipSample

Week 5: Authority

Authority in Leadership

Authority is “the power or right to give orders, make decisions, and enforce obedience” (Dictionary.com). To be a good leader, you must model the way for those following you. You must also remember that no matter how much authority you gain, there is always someone else you must answer to.

Matthew 20:25-28 teaches us that we should not hold our authority over others. The more power we receive, the more we must become like a servant. It may seem backward, but the secret to leading is serving well. If Jesus, the ruler of the universe, came to serve, so must we. Jesus is the ultimate example that we must strive for.

I have often said in my career, “If I were only in X position, then things would be better.” We assume things will be easier as we climb the ladder of success and achieve more authority. The truth is that no matter where you are in the line of authority, you will always have someone above you to answer to. Furthermore, the Bible tells us in Matthew that we are to serve even when we have authority. This week, we will examine Jesus’ authority, our authority, and the various earthly authorities we must answer to (bosses, pastors, elders, kings, and presidents).

Carley Sheppard

Action Step: Thank God for the authorities He has put in your life.