Christian Authority

Many people seem to look toward those who take authority in the Christian world. So often we look up to those who are in leadership positions. We put our faith and trust in the pastor of our local church, or the evangelist who comes and speaks during revival services.

We tend to think that those who are in authority and leadership positions are more knowledgeable about spiritual matters, and able to lead others to God better than the normal average christian.

The truth is we are all brothers and sisters in Christ and we are all capable to be leaders in the sense we can encourage and help build up those with whom we have contact along the way. Each of us are kings and priests in God’s kingdom and no one is more important or on a higher plain than anyone else.

Christian leadership is no more than brothers and sisters in Christ who have lived and experienced more in spiritual matters lending a helping hand to those who are still maturing in their walk with God. There is no position of authority in this type of leadership. It is done out of love and compassion for one another and the desire to be used by God to encourage others in their walk with Him.

What I see so often in allowing people to take authority over one another is that it places an intermediary between God and man. Fortunately, not all people in leadership positions think this way and they are serving out of true love for God and for helping their fellow believer. Yet so often we hear of people in authority that demand our allegiance. They insist we listen to them and follow what they teach or else. This is a great misuse of authority in the christian world today.

I do not believe there are offices of authority and leadership in the sense we hear about it today. Those who have been given positions of leadership in the body of Christ are not in a higher standing than anyone else. They are to lead by example out of love for those who are still learning like everyone else. They are to be encouragers by example, helping build up their fellow believers into maturity.

Ephesians 4:11,12 So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers to equip his people for works of service so that the body of Christ may be built up.

The true meaning of leadership by God’s standards is servanthood. Thinking more of others than you do yourself. So often it seems like just the opposite with men and women thinking they are the ones with authority and knowledge.

Matthew 20:25,26 but Jesus called them to Himself and said, you know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.

What I believe is the final authority among Christians is the Holy Spirit who lives within us. The bible can be used by the Spirit as a guide and help, but the bible is only a tool the Spirit uses. Apart from the Spirit there is no final authority in any person or book.

Although we can learn from the bible and we can learn from one another and their experiences, it is the Spirit of Jesus from within us who is the final authority and the head of the body known as the Church. The Church is not a building, not a denomination or an organization, it is each of us who are equally functioning and necessary parts of the body of Christ.

A Time to Refresh

I have been away for the past week enjoying time with my family. After a very enjoyable and relaxing week at the beach, it feels like a fresh start now that we are back to reality. Even though it was hard to come back and get started again, we all know vacations never last forever.

Our family has always enjoyed the beach. We get up in the morning and sit on the front deck of the beach house enjoying the ocean and drinking coffee. Then we head to the beach and sit out watching for dolphins or stingrays, we read, swim and nap. Then it is out to dinner and we finish off the night by sitting on the deck again listening to the ocean. It was oh so peaceful and relaxing.

We also know that if we did this every day of our lives it would ruin the enjoyment. It would not be long before we were bored with the beach and we would lose the uniqueness of the ocean. It would become like many of the fishermen we saw each day, out doing their daily chores and working hard trying to earn a living not even noticing the joys of the ocean and beach. It seems strange in a way, they are out doing their daily work at the same place we were relaxing and enjoying being away from work.

Yet for a week, what a time we had being away from the daily routine, watching birds dive-bombing for food and watching passing boats. It was an enjoyable time just taking it easy. Actually, sitting on the beach doing nothing can be quite tiring, but it was a good kind of tired. A relaxing kind of tired.

I think we all need breaks like this from time to time. A chance to get away from the everyday chores and responsibilities just to relax and enjoy life. Even Jesus needed time to get away. A time to relax, reflect and refresh.

In our busy world it is common to just keep going. Many choose not to get away and relax. They feel guilty just sitting and taking it easy. That have to be busy and working all the time trying to get more money to get more stuff. I feel there are enough hours taken up by work and the normal chores of life. Working for stuff can be a never-ending job. And the stuff we buy never completely satisfies anyway. I would rather forget the stuff and take some time to relax, enjoy family, refresh and do nothing. It recharges us and renews our strength.

I think God wants us to take time to get away and enjoy some peace and quiet. It is calming to the soul and refreshing to the spirit. Never feel guilty for taking time to relax and enjoy life. There is plenty of time to work hard and do what needs to be done. The Spirit lives within us and he can use this time to refresh us, build us up and prepare us for a fresh walk with him.

Many times, we can hear the Spirit better when we are sitting and relaxing, listening for that still, small voice that is missed sometimes in all the hustle and bustle of life. So next chance you get, take a break and go relax, whether it is at the beach or in the mountains. Let the Spirit refresh you and build you up as you enjoy some time away. You will be glad you did.