Embracing and Utilizing Authority with Humility and Love

Embracing and Utilizing Authority with Humility and Love

Luke 10:19 NIV

I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.

Authority.

In our quest to follow in the footsteps of Jesus, it is crucial to understand what authority truly means and

how we can effectively use it in service to others.

What is Authority?

Authority, in its essence, is not about asserting power or control over others.

Rather, it is a sacred responsibility entrusted to us by God.

It is a divine calling to influence lives, guide souls, and be instruments of His love, grace, and truth.

Authority is a position from which we can make a positive impact on individuals, communities, and even the world.

Recognizing the Source:

John 14:13–14 NIV

13 And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.

To truly understand and use authority effectively, we must first recognize its source.

Our authority does not originate from our own abilities or ambitions.

It flows from our connection with the divine and the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit within us.

As spiritual young leaders, our authority is rooted in our relationship with God and our commitment to His teachings.

The Parable of the Seventy-Two:

In Luke 10:1–11 , Jesus sends out seventy-two disciples to proclaim the Kingdom of God.

Luke 10:1–11 NIV

1 After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go. 2 He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. 3 Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves. 4 Do not take a purse or bag or sandals; and do not greet anyone on the road. 5 “When you enter a house, first say, ‘Peace to this house.’ 6 If someone who promotes peace is there, your peace will rest on them; if not, it will return to you. 7 Stay there, eating and drinking whatever they give you, for the worker deserves his wages. Do not move around from house to house. 8 “When you enter a town and are welcomed, eat what is offered to you. 9 Heal the sick who are there and tell them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’ 10 But when you enter a town and are not welcomed, go into its streets and say, 11 ‘Even the dust of your town we wipe from our feet as a warning to you. Yet be sure of this: The kingdom of God has come near.’

They were given authority to heal the sick, cast out demons, and bring peace to those they encountered.

This powerful demonstration of authority was not for personal gain or to display superiority.

Instead, it was a compassionate response to the needs of others, an expression of God's love and mercy.

Using Authority with Humility and Love

How, then, should we use the authority entrusted to us?

Luke 14:13–14 offers us a profound insight into this question: "But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the just."

Luke 14:13–14 NIV

13 But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, 14 and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”

Servant Leadership:

True authority is manifested through servant leadership.

It is not about lording over others or seeking personal gain, but rather about humbly serving those in need, offering hope, healing, and restoration.

Just as Jesus invited the marginalized and the outcasts to the feast, we, too, must extend our authority to those who are overlooked, broken, and in need of God's love.

By embracing the role of a servant leader, we can bring about transformation and create a community where everyone feels valued and included.

Empowering Others:

John 14:12 NIV

12 Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.

Another vital aspect of using authority is empowering others.

As spiritual young leaders, we have the privilege of helping others recognize and develop their own gifts, talents, and authority.

By equipping and encouraging others, we create a ripple effect of positive change.

Our authority is not diminished by empowering others; instead, it multiplies, fostering a spirit of collaboration and shared responsibility within our communities.

Conclusion:

Dear spiritual young leaders, authority is a sacred calling that must be approached with humility, love, and a servant's heart.

Let us remember that our authority flows from God and is a gift to be used for the well-being of others.

As we embrace and utilize our authority, may we strive to serve, empower, and uplift those entrusted to our care.

By doing so, we will bear witness to the transformative power of God's love in the lives of those we lead.

May the grace of God guide you in your journey of leadership, and may you be empowered to impact lives with the authority entrusted to you.