"Principles of Authority"

"And a certain centurion's (an army captain commanding 100 men) servant, who was dear unto him, was sick, and ready to die. And when he heard of Jesus, he sent unto him the elders of the Jews, beseeching him that he would come and heal his servant. And when they came to Jesus, they besought him instantly, saying, That he was worthy for whom he should do this: For he loveth our nation, and he hath built us a synagogue. Then Jesus went with them. And when he was now not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to him, saying unto him, Lord, trouble not thyself: for I am not worthy that thou shouldest enter under my roof: Wherefore neither thought I myself worthy to come unto thee: but SAY A WORD, and MY SERVANT SHALL BE HEALED. FOR I AM A MAN SET UNDER AUTHORITY, HAVING UNDER ME SOLDIERS, and I SAY UNTO ONE, GO, and HE GOETH; and TO ANOTHER, COME, and HE COMETH; and TO MY SERVANT, DO THIS, and HE DOETH IT". Luke 7:2-8 KJV (Capitals are mine for emphasis)

A CHANGE CANNOT BE AFFECTED ANYWHERE UNTIL THE AUTHORITY IS IN PLACE, IS UNDERSTOOD, AND IS PART OF WHAT IS TO BE DONE

Whenever God wants to bring order, or introduce a new development it always starts with authority. He discusses the issue with the proper individuals who can strategically further His interests. A change cannot be affected anywhere until the authority is in place, is understood, and is part of what is to be done. An organization, or any institution, therefore, cannot be any better than the authority which has been set in place.

THE APPOINTED INDIVIDUAL, THEREFORE, ACTS ON BEHALF, AND WITH THE BLESSINGS OF THE ONE WHO APPOINTED HIM

It is not just enough to be in authority, but "one must be set in authority". The influence of any person in authority is totally dependent on the power and ability of the appointing body. The appointed individual, therefore, acts on behalf, and with the blessings of the one who appointed him. Having all the qualifications for a given position is good, however, it is the setting, or the official inauguration, or consecration which lends credibility, and legitimacy to that authority.

THERE IS NO SELF-EXISTING POWER EXCEPT THAT OF GOD

The centurion said, "I am a man set under authority". You cannot be in authority unless you are under authority yourself. This is because every placement requires a sufficient power backup. There is no self-existing power except that of God. Any other power is derived from another source. It is, therefore, paramount that one gets hooked up to the right, and legitimate supply line for sustainability and credibility. The chain-of-command cannot be evaded in the guise of divine appointment, since even choices made by God are executed by men.

AUTHORITY IS RELEASED BY WORDS

The military captain told Jesus, "I tell this one to go, and he goes, and to the other one, come, and he comes". This brings out the fact that authority is released by words. This may be spoken or written. The Bible is the written authority of God, providing for the needs of mankind. It is the simple instructions given here and there which constitute the circulation of the power of the one in authority.

YOU CANNOT EXERCISE YOUR RIGHTS WITHOUT BEING IN SUBJECTION TO SOMEONE OVER YOU

The centurion recognized the fact that Jesus was higher than he was. Power must have limits. This provides for "checks and balances". You cannot exercise your rights without being in subjection to someone over you. We must all operate within some specified limits and boundaries. Appreciation of one's parameters of influence is not intended to be demeaning, but to help cultivate a cordial working relationship, and a clear chain-of-command.