Having Authority
Authority was a bad word for me as I grew up. It seemed I was constantly in trouble with authority figures. A teacher slapping me in the face because I wouldn't listen to her. A school principal I would visit on a regular basis for violating rules. As a result I would have to bend over and receive 5 swats with a strap which would make
me smile because it really didn't hurt.
My most feared authority figure was my Phy Ed teacher. I got in trouble during one of my P.E, periods for running up behind other boys and pulling their shorts down. That earned me 2 wacks with a wooden paddle. Now that hurt, I didn't do it again. There are other examples but I sure you got the picture.
I never saw myself having authority. I was always the victim. So you might wonder, why did I ever join the military (AUTHORITY)? I don't have an answer other than, I didn't know what else to do. I felt rudderless, going no place fast. I had no clue. God had a clue.
While I was ignoring him He put me where I needed to be. It wasn't long after I had joined the Army I was introduced to 2 concepts of authority. Vested Authority and Earned Authority. Vested Authority is what is given to you because of your rank or position. The title, boss comes with Vested Authority. You are the decision maker, write evaluations on people who work for you and you can spend money. Then there is Earned Authority. Authority given to you out of respect and display of character. Leadership, listening, sharing, giving respect to others. As it has been said to me, "It's a two way street".
Christ came into this world as a humble child, poor, and a nobody. It was His Father who provided Him with Vested Authority, "The Son of the Living God". Christ earned authority with loving and caring for those He came into contact with. There was no beating over the head with a hammer approach. Christ offered what His Father had given Him. As one without authority Christ came into this world to touch you.
Do you have trouble with authority? Try Christ, He will surprise you. You can accept Him, reject Him or just walk away. But He will be quietly waiting for you when you decide. God Loves You.
me smile because it really didn't hurt.
My most feared authority figure was my Phy Ed teacher. I got in trouble during one of my P.E, periods for running up behind other boys and pulling their shorts down. That earned me 2 wacks with a wooden paddle. Now that hurt, I didn't do it again. There are other examples but I sure you got the picture.
I never saw myself having authority. I was always the victim. So you might wonder, why did I ever join the military (AUTHORITY)? I don't have an answer other than, I didn't know what else to do. I felt rudderless, going no place fast. I had no clue. God had a clue.
While I was ignoring him He put me where I needed to be. It wasn't long after I had joined the Army I was introduced to 2 concepts of authority. Vested Authority and Earned Authority. Vested Authority is what is given to you because of your rank or position. The title, boss comes with Vested Authority. You are the decision maker, write evaluations on people who work for you and you can spend money. Then there is Earned Authority. Authority given to you out of respect and display of character. Leadership, listening, sharing, giving respect to others. As it has been said to me, "It's a two way street".
Christ came into this world as a humble child, poor, and a nobody. It was His Father who provided Him with Vested Authority, "The Son of the Living God". Christ earned authority with loving and caring for those He came into contact with. There was no beating over the head with a hammer approach. Christ offered what His Father had given Him. As one without authority Christ came into this world to touch you.
Do you have trouble with authority? Try Christ, He will surprise you. You can accept Him, reject Him or just walk away. But He will be quietly waiting for you when you decide. God Loves You.
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