Recognizing Legitimate Authority
1. Legitimate authority is based on the balancing of privilege with responsibility.
Legitimate authority is not responsibility without privilege. Nor is it privilege without responsibility — 9 tests.
In Numbers 12, Miriam and Aaron sought the privileges of Moses when they had not been given the responsibilities of Moses. God’s response was heated, to say the least. He went to a great length to explain to them that they were not in an equal place of responsibility, and therefore, they did not have the privilege of speaking as Moses spoke. A few times in my ministry, especially when our church was smaller, somebody would come along and want me to give them speaking privileges in our church. They seemed to feel that since they were attending our church, if they claimed to be called to ministry, I should let them speak in our services. I’ve heard the same sound that Miriam and Aaron made on more than one occasion, “What makes you so special that you should speak all the time? I’m also called into ministry and should be heard.” What these people did not understand was that I was not selfishly hoarding the pulpit at our church. I had been given responsibility to lead and feed the church. I must answer to God for the ministry to the people. Along with that responsibility, was the privilege to be the consistent and clear voice to the people. God made me responsible to minister to the needs of the people and the decision of who should speak was my privilege to choose.
The following are Bible words, which describe a good attitude toward authority:
Submission—surrendering, obedience, resignation “Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities . . . ” (Romans 13:1, NASB). Respect—to show consideration, honor or esteem for “. . . should consider their masters worthy of full respect . . . ” (1 Timothy 6:1, NIV).
Obey—to carry out orders, to be guided by Obey those who rule over you . . . ” (Hebrews 13:7, KJV).
—to respect greatly, to show high regard for “Give to everyone what you owe them . . . if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor,” (Romans 13:7, NIV).
Below are Bible words, which describe a wrong attitude toward authority: Rebellion—a defiance or opposition to authority “For rebellion is like the sin of divination . . . ” (1 Samuel 15:23, NIV).
Sedition—the stirring up of discontent, resistance, or rebellion against the government or authority in power “Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these . . . seditions . . . ” (Galatians 5:19–21, KJV).
Railer—one who speaks bitterly with complaint, aimed at or against something or someone “Do not keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a railer . . . ” (1 Corinthians 5:11, KJV).
Insurrection—a rising up against established authority, inclined to be less visible in nation than rebellion “Hide me from the secret council of the wicked; from the insurrection of the workers of iniquity,” (Psalm 64:2, KJV).
2. Legitimate authority is functional authority.
Functional authority exists to accomplish a purpose and to move the group in a healthy direction. It can be short term or long term, but once the purpose is accomplished, the authority ceases to exist. Ie. pilot, flight attendant, school teacher.
3. Legitimate authority is delegated authority.
Authority does not cease to be legitimate simply because it is received from a higher authority. A manager’s authority is usually received from an owner or higher authority. Parents may delegate authority to a babysitter. A pastor may delegate authority to other pastors and leaders. coach of a sports team, general manager by owners
The Authority test
It is vitally important for us, as Christians, to remember that when authority fails, God is looking at our response. In telling the Pharisees to pay the tax to Caesar—who demanded the worship of his subjects—Jesus showed that He maintained an accurate attitude towards authority that has become corrupt. In that case, it wasn’t about the person. It was about honoring what God had allowed to be in place. When that authority fails, it is our attitude that will be revealed.
The failure may be: A wrong decision by someone in authority A moral failure by someone in authority Immature actions by someone in authority Unfair treatment by someone in authority Discrimination by someone in authority All of these are obvious failures of integrity, wisdom, character, and maturity. However, in Biblical examples of failed authority, God still focused His attention on the reactions of those under that authority. He repeatedly let it serve as a time of testing, closely observing their response to the failed authority.
Response
The ability to respond properly and without rebellion is the purpose of the test. There is always a right response to wrong authority. When authority makes demands on you that are in violation of your conscience, there is a right response. When authority is abusive toward you, there is a right response. When authority extends beyond its functional purpose, there is a right response. The right response can never include a physical or verbal attack on authority. The right response can never include a demonstration of anger or hostility. The right response can never be to stir up strife against authority by railing on authority to others.
When authority corrupts, Appeal to a higher authority.
Since most authority is delegated, there is usually someone else we can turn to when we feel like there is corrupt authority. This doesn’t mean that we have the opportunity to gossip or complain to our boss’s boss when we don’t get our way. There is always a right response to wrong authority. When there is someone who is abusing their power and exploiting people, however, prayerfully bringing awareness to a higher authority is permissible. Ultimately, the highest authority we can turn to is God. So when all else fails (and hopefully before!) pray about how to handle your situation, pray for the person in authority, and pray for God to move in the hearts of everyone involved.