4 Ways to Use Your Authority like Jesus

I was sitting at lunch not too long ago with a young, successful commercial realtor in our community. He has yet to find Jesus, and I am trying to help him on His journey. During our conversation, he made a very revealing statement. He said, “Money destroys people.” He was right. Money destroys people and the power that comes with money is a means for them to destroy other people around them.

There is no doubt that authority has been abused by many who find themselves in positions of power. It is scary to see story after the story posted about how those in authority have taken advantage of a person, employee, staff member, or a church parishioner. Many men and women have allowed their position to negatively influence, not only those under them but also their own hearts.

Authority can control us like a drug. It can alter one’s mind causing them to exaggerate their ego to prove their position. “The buck stops here.” “Don’t forget who signs your paycheck.” “I’ve done so much for you, you owe this to me.” “Where else will you find a job like this?” Our hearts break for those who have been abused with such statements.

With so many negative examples we need to be continually looking to Jesus as the perfect example of exercising humility within one’s own authority. We need to be continually saturating our hearts and minds in His “authority manual,” the Bible.

His Word is the Authority.

Here are some key lessons we can put into practice today as we serve in positions of authority.

1. Authority is about pleasing NOT power.

Power is craved. Power is desired. As a child of the 80’s I could have been found at any time holding a plastic bat in the air crying the He-man mantra, “…By the Power of Grayskull…” Many of us had our moms pin a towel around our necks then jump off the couch trying to fly like Superman. As adults, that power comes not from a bat or towel but from behind the desk or pulpit. Power generates with letters like CEO, COO, and CFO.

Jesus did not exercise His power without purpose. His purpose was always to do those things that pleased the Father (John 8:29). Is the authority you are exercising over your children pleasing the Father? Do your employees observe a boss who continually pleases the Heavenly Father in all that is done?

So how do we please the Father? It is simple. By living under His authority- the Word of God. The Word must rule and reign in our lives and hearts so we can exercise power under His authority.

2. Authority is about serving NOT being served.

Jesus was not interested in having His needs met by His followers. He took upon Himself the form of a servant. He came not to be served, but to serve.

If you find yourself on the top of the job flow chart, turn it upside down!

You see, it is not about “ruling” those who are underneath us. It is about serving those who are over us. This should be our mindset every day; it’s not about who can serve us, but how we can serve others.

When was the last time you asked one of your employees, “What can I do for you this week?”

3. Authority exercises compassion NOT commands.

As leaders in authority, we are very busy. We have a lot on our plates, and there are weeks that can be overwhelming. Our Google Calendar looks like our children used it as a coloring book. We have multiple responsibilities, and the last thing we have time to do is exercise compassion towards others. After all, they are competent adults, they should not need my coddling.

Compassion does not come naturally but must be exercised with intentionality. It must be something we are aware of and trying to implement.

If I truly have compassion for my employees, I will not take advantage of them. If I have compassion for my staff, I will make sure they have their needs met. If I exercise my authority in compassion, when a bigger/better offer is thrown at them, my staff will struggle when offered an opportunity to leave.

4. Authority is discipleship NOT dictatorship.

We should be continually working ourselves out of a job. You should have a select few you are investing in. You should be known as a mentor as well as a boss. You should be preparing those under you to take the lead one day.

Christ chose twelve to be with Him, but He had three that were even closer. Jesus gave them opportunities to be with Him. Jesus knew these specific events they witnessed together would play important roles after His departure. Peter would even use one of those experiences to establish the authority of the Word.

Leading is an awesome responsibility. May Jesus be your example as you lead others today!

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Treg Spicer is pastor of Faith Baptist Church – Morgantown, WV. Follow his blog here. We republish his articles by permission.

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Photo by Ben Rosett on Unsplash