PERSPECTIVE

Don Atkin

AUTHORITIES AND AUTHORITARIANS

A friend recently contrasted an “authority” with an “authoritarian,” referring to one person as one who walks in authority and another as one who presents himself as an authoritarian.  Although (somehow) I had not seen this with such clarity before, the specific example that he used makes clear the difference.

This is more than an issue of realm.  There are authorities in both the natural and spiritual realm.  From childhood on, each of us has a measure of authority.  All have some authority in the natural realm ~ authority over our own bodies, possessions, etc.  Some of us are given authority in our jobs.

All believers also have some authority.  Jesus said,

“Behold, I give you authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you. 

“Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.” – Luke 10:19-20.

How we handle our authority in any realm has everything to do with our perspective, which is shaped by our revelation, corresponding repentance, and resulting restoration and reconciliation.  The principles contained in this specific revelation have general application.  Jesus makes these four points:

1. He has given us authority.  The specific arena to which He responds points us all the way back to the dominion authority given to man in Genesis 1:28.  He expands upon this in His next statement: 

2. “Nothing shall by any means hurt you.”  That is all-inclusive and should be totally securing!  If God be for us, who can be against us?  What can separate us from His love? 

3. Don’t find your joy in your authority.

4. Find your joy in the family among whom you are included.

There are at least three reasons why one might conduct himself as authoritarian:

1. Uncertainty about the realm or sphere of his delegated authority. 

2. Fear of rejection or some other hurt that may come as a result of his functional authority. 

3. Wrong identity/fulfillment that he finds in his position, rather than through his vertical and horizontal relationships.

Authority comes from simply being who you are; authoritarianism is the result of doing.  Authoritarianism manifests when someone pushes who he is with his own strength, trying to help God’s anointing with his own efforts.  Authoritarians often think that they must defend their own position, defend their own authority, defend God, defend His word, etc., all coming from a lack of revelation and/or a lack of security.

The believer can rest in the authority that God has given.  It is measured according to grace, gift, sphere and season.  The Giver knows best, and heaven backs our delegated authority. 

We can rest in Jesus’ easy yoke and enjoy His light burden for us.  Our peaceful example, regardless of circumstances, speaks louder than any correction or command that we can shout.  Our demeanor should not call attention to our authority.

Behold, I have given you authority. – Jesus