I have seen many people who, instead of cultivating friendships with those in authority, opposed them, spoke badly about them, and so on. All those people had problems with their health, finances, and ministry. I do not need those problems. I have drawn certain conclusions for myself from this.
My Three Golden Rules Regarding Authority
1. I serve under authority. It is very important that you be appointed to public ministry by people who have authority in the Church. If those in authority appoint you and you remain accountable to them, you will have many advantages over those who act independently. Those who are not under authority have no authority.
2. I walk in authority. I have a word of authority as a son, a pastor, a husband, and a father. Some things will happen simply because I have the authority to say and do them. The word of a person who has authority carries great weight and power in every sphere under that authority.
3. I acknowledge the authorities. I submit to the authorities, honor them, and defend them. We must not speak ill of those placed above us. But what if they do something wrong? That is not my concern. God will deal with it. There is a risk of being mistaken in our conclusions and judgments and, instead of becoming a defender of the truth, turning into a slanderer. Slander is listed alongside murder and adultery. Such people will be judged already in this life and will not enter the Kingdom of Heaven. This is what the Bible says.
What if I am smarter and stronger than my leader?
You may be smarter and stronger than your leader, but it is important to acknowledge their position of authority. Ask God: Why, with your talents, are you still far from the top positions in the Kingdom? We may say, “I am great!” but that does not mean God thinks so. Even if you killed Goliath yesterday, that still does not make you a king. There are rules of the “game” established not by our leaders, but by God Himself.
(Romans 13:1–4) “1 Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except from God; the authorities that exist have been established by God. 2 Therefore, whoever resists authority resists what God has appointed. And those who resist will bring judgment upon themselves. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of authority? Do what is good, and you will receive praise from it, 4 for [the ruler] is God’s servant for your good. But if you do evil, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing; he is God’s servant, an avenger who brings punishment on the wrongdoer.”
I realized that people in positions of authority have special angels—guards. If you cross the security boundary around those in authority, the angel will intervene on their behalf to protect them and stop you.
I always treat people in authority with respect. I do not support conversations against those in authority. I do not try to determine who did what wrong, so as not to become a judge and bring judgment upon myself.
Perhaps you disagree with me—no problem. Perhaps you view authority differently—no problem. But you and I are not on the same path, because this will cause problems for you. And I do not need additional problems. The purpose of this article is to help those of you who have taken this slippery path, one on which it is impossible to remain standing. I often see people “righteously” criticizing those in authority, and they have the same problems: frequent illnesses, financial hardship, and no success in ministry. Let those who have ears hear. I simply want to help you. My golden rules help me avoid the problems listed above.
Author: Dmitriy Leo
