Greetings,
The subject of authority is a difficult one because of the many negative applications we see around us. Its primary association with power clashes with the natural human desire for autonomy. In our present day the subject of authority is often confused with authoritarianism and the abuse of power, which creates a negative perception. Authority is a vital ingredient for godly living and it is therefore important for us to be clear minded about what it is and what it is not.
Authoritarianism is understood more in terms of a concentration of power or unquestioning obedience to whoever is in authority. It is often seen to be in contrast to individual freedom, and hence carries with it the connotation of oppressiveness and inappropriate control. Put simply, it is as Christ stated, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them” (Matthew 20:25). When power underscores man’s use of authority people get hurt because those exercising the power are generally not concerned about their welfare but more about domination. This often produces a backlash against authority in general, without much discrimination as to whether the authority is good or bad. Such is the state of affairs in the world around us.
For those called by God into a relationship with Him, authority should take on a whole new dimension. For the sake of brevity, consider two areas where God’s authority is extended into the human realm – marriage and the family. God has established proper authority in marriage. “Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife …” (Ephesians 5:22-23). He has also established authority in the family. “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right” (Ephesians 6:1). These two windows offer us a different view of authority than we see in the world. Why did God establish authority in marriage and in the family? Godly authority supports a common good; it provides the head of the wife the ability to lead, guide his wife and family into a loving relationship with each other and more importantly, with God. The head of the family is intended to use his authority for growth and development. He gives leadership and direction in line with the will and desire of a loving Father. He uses his authority to create an environment of peace and stability to nurture the development of those under his authority thereby encouraging them in their personal relationship with God. Simply put, his authority, which is delegated to him from God, is for the purpose of establishing his family in a relationship with God. He connects his family to their heavenly Father. God’s authority is an expression of love and is positive and constructive.
We may want to take some time to thoughtfully consider our marriages and family relationships with a view to removing any vestiges of authoritarianism. God’s authority is love based. Are we as husbands and parents exercising our authority in a similar manner? The Church is also an extension of similar family relationships with our Father and our elder brother Jesus Christ leading us. The example They set of proper, godly authority in our lives is one of unconditional love, clear guidelines, loving-kindness and mercy and should also inform all our church family relationships.
Prayer Request and Updates
We do not include prayer requests and updates in the weekly update as it is a duplication of what appears on the Prayer Requests section on the website. We attempt to keep information up to date and post updates as they become available. Please keep in touch with the prayer requests as many of the members have serious situations they are dealing with and express great comfort from responses they receive from other members as well as knowing prayers are being made on their behalf. “The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much” (James 5:16).
Sabbath services will originate from the Bay Area this Sabbath
Warm Regards,
Brian Orchard
