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Authority: A Matter of Great Honor & Great Responsibility

1 Timothy 5:17 says, “Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching.” Many can feel the weight of authority when they are sitting across the desk from an elder. If you’re the elder sitting at that hypothetical desk, one way you might consider reassuring others that your authority is founded in Christ and Christian values is by purchasing one of our Holy Land olive wood Christian desk accessories for your own desk. Of course, if you’re on the other side of the desk, these products also make a great gift to show your Christian leader how appreciated he or she is!

The authority in leadership should not be taken for granted by both sides of it. Those under a leader should be mindful that authority and demonstrate due honor unto him or her, and those in a role of leadership should be mindful of that authority - taking care to utilize it responsibly in a way that brings God glory.

The Responsibility of The Leader

That said, let us start by considering the relationship of authority and leadership. First and foremost, it is key to understand where that authority is based. Many people of faith are familiar with the Great Commission, but let’s consider it in light of its implications for leadership. Matthew 28:18-20 says, “And Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

The first thing of note for leadership from this commission is what Jesus prefaces with. He does not merely claim that He is of great authority, but He proclaims that “all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” That means that in whatever area you hold authority, you can only do so based on Christ’s bestowed authority, so don’t take it lightly. After all Paul echoes this in Romans 13:1, in which he writes, “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is not authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.” If we try to operate in authority but believe that authority is our own, we are setting ourselves up for disappointment.

Next, the commission shows us that, though we can share in the authority of Jesus through the presence of His Spirit, we must not forget that the authority exists for a purpose! Though our walks of life are diverse, God has a mission for us. The Great Commission is about discipleship, but it is important that we understand that discipleship is something that takes place in every Christian leader’s life - from the farthest missionary to the closest office manager. Jesus Christ’s command to “make disciples of all nations” not only applies to our own nation, but is also a command to be heeded by everyone. Therefore, if you’re are raised up in authority, consider it a blessing, but remember that there is great responsibility within it - both the responsibility to be a person of moral integrity (as Titus 1:7 says, “above reproach), and the responsibility to initiate discipleship and disciple-making.

The Responsibility of the Follower

However, though the responsibility of the leader is great, there are certain guidelines that help the follower play his or her role gracefully. Of course, we already know from referencing Romans 13:1 above that authority is instituted by God and ought to be honored as such. Paul continues this thought in Romans 13:2-3, in which he writes, “Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval.” Authority exists to keep us accountable to doing what’s right. This is a hard truth in the Bible for some of us to accept, but take heart, considering that Paul was writing this to Christians right in the middle of a regime that actively imprisoned and tortured them because of their belief. The Christians in First Century Rome had it hard, there’s no doubt about that, but nonetheless it is God’s desire that we give authority its due respect.

Pleasing God and carrying out His will is the most important of all, isn’t it? After all, doesn’t Jesus warn and assure us in Matthew 10:28-31, saying, “Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.” Authority may do some questionable things, but focus on what God wants you to do. If it’s hard for you to trust your authority figure, place your trust in the one who gave him or her that authority in the first place. God sees and values your concern; in the words of Hebrews 13:17, “Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.”

Holy Land Olive Wood Christian Desk Accessories & Authority

Of course, it may not be easy to define you as either an authority figure or as a follower. However, the desk serves as a workspace for both, so whatever phase of life you find yourself in right now, it is our hope to bring a light to your workspace, public or private, with our hand carved olive wood Christian desk accessories. It is our desire to provide a product of great craftsmanship that can be enriching to your faith, perhaps reminding you of the greatest authority, God!