One of the underlying causes of sin and oppression is a misunderstanding and misuse of authority.

First, a public service announcement.

I realize many of my posts are a result of conversations I have with women all over the world who are experiencing sinful treatment–generally from a husband, pastor, and/or church. For that reason, I share biblical truth that speaks into specific examples. As a means of being a better, more effective and accurate communicator, I am removing blog posts for prayerful crafting and consideration. If there is a post you’re looking for and can’t find, just wait, hopefully it will re-emerge refined. If you need it NOW, contact me and I’ll do what I can to help.

And, now, back to our regularly scheduled program.

There are many examples of misused authority I could choose from:

• Individuals who have left churches where they were used instead of cared for and fed
• Women who stay in destructive relationships because of local church pressure
• Teens and children who are sinned against and say nothing because they’re not being told to “rob a bank or kill someone”

We are created beings. We are dependent beings. But when dependence is used and exploited for the benefit of some created beings at the expense of another, it is sinful and wrong. That is not God’s intention or design.

How do I know? The Bible tells me so.

“For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever. Amen.” (Romans 11:36)

We have been created to depend upon and reflect God–God’s goodness, kindness, gentleness, patience, justice, righteousness. We don’t, because of sin, but in Christ, we can. And we do. By the work of His Spirit and Word, we know right from wrong, we produce the peaceable fruit of righteousness. Our sin nature is depraved, but that does not mean we all walk in sin and depravity–not if we walk in the Spirit (Rom. 8:9)

Because Jesus is the “image of the invisible God” (Colossians 1:15), we look to His earthly example both as one under authority and as the one who has all authority (Matthew 28:18; John 3:35). Jesus, unlike us, has authority. It rightfully belongs to Him. God, the Father, has put all things under His feet. People, however, are in positions of authority. We do not own it. We are not entitled to it. It is not ours to use as we will.

How did Jesus use His authority?

• He healed the sick and lame
• He brought the dead to life
• He preached repentance and forgiveness of sin
• He washed His disciples’ feet
• He confronted the Pharisees
• He gave His life a ransom for many

It is important to consider authority as a matter of stewardship. It is not my authority or your authority. It is Jesus’ authority. There will be a day when we are all called to account for our words and deeds.

Because of your hardened and unrepentant heart you are storing up wrath for yourself in the day of wrath, when God’s righteous judgment is revealed. He will repay each one according to his works: eternal life to those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor, and immortality; but wrath and anger to those who are self-seeking and disobey the truth while obeying unrighteousness. There will be affliction and distress for every human being who does evil, first to the Jew, and also to the Greek; but glory, honor, and peace for everyone who does what is good, first to the Jew, and also to the Greek. For there is no favoritism with God. (Romans 2:5-11)

What one does with Jesus’ authority will be judged–by the Author and Owner of authority.

Many of us have some level of authority. The question is, who benefits? Do we benefit from the perks of authority? Or do we use it to serve the weak, oppressed, and needy?

All of us are under a level of authority. The question is, are we obeying man at the expense of following Jesus? Do we know what to do and how to respond when Jesus’ authority is used to justify sin, promote injustice, and glorify man?

Warren Lamb, founder of Truth in Love Biblical Counseling, Center points out, “[If one’s] underlying theology exalts God’s sovereignty above every other attribute, actually leaving him not to be God (because all of his attributes are infinite in their expanse and infinitely balanced), the ultimate manifestation of that is authority, and the ultimate virtue then is obedience.”

First, it is important to evaluate the fruit of our life: are we exalting an individual, covering or excusing sin? If so, God has given us His Word. We can check our view of God by carefully study biblical passages we find disagreeable or troubling, and prayerfully engage with the Spirit. We can reach out to godly individuals who have proven trustworthy, whose lives are steadfast and humble. If we are unquestioning when it comes to earthly authority, we may not be walking by faith, but walking by sight.

“…and everything that is not from faith is sin.” (Romans 14:23)