Under Authority

I have wrestled my entire life with submission and authority. I am too aware of the weakness of our flesh. Trusting a leader’s guidance is difficult for me. How can I negate some of my passion simply because a leader disapproves? There is a fine line between healthy submission and abusive control.

I was thinking about this issue, and I made a statement that I felt bound to share.

“Even children have authority.”

Jesus told us - if we wish to be great in the kingdom, we must become like a little child. Children have authority. Their youth doesn’t disqualify them from being leaders. Many parents think children must always obey their every command. However, there are moments this assumption is dangerous.

Discipline is a necessary component in rearing children. However, parents must be careful. Parents can’t assume ALL their actions are flawless. Just because you say “no” to a child, doesn’t mean that child must obey. A parent’s “no” may not be proper at the time. When this is the case, children have the authority not to listen or act.

If a father is physically abusive, a child has the authority to ask the father to stop the abuse. The child has the right to call the police. The child has the AUTHORITY to run and hide.

Authority is not granted to everyone just because of age or experience. Every human being has a purpose; therefore, everyone has authority in certain areas of life. Having authority doesn’t make you superior.