I have learned that many individuals who have come into contact with power that is oppressive and even abusive, develop a fear of authority; because in their minds they have transferred that experience to authority itself. Let me give you an example: if a child is physically abused by a parent, they may try to protect themselves from further abuse by rejecting any adult whom they see as an authority figure. Again, if a wife is repeatedly emotionally abused by her husband, she can become suspicious of others who make suggestions or offer direction, equating their motives with the same king of control. This is one reason why it is very important to seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit. I did when seeking for a helpmate, and I struck it rich when I met and married my wife Arlene. You never know what experience others have gone through before you met them.
Now on a social or national level, history is unfortunately strewn with examples of unauthorized power. One of the most obvious examples is Adolf Hitler, who seized control of Germany through intimidation and overpowering force and then turned his weapons of abuse on much of Europe. Keep in mind, slave owners used power to the point of “owning” other human beings and overwhelming them by physical force. Even to this very day, many African Americans have a slave mindset, especially in the southern parts of the United States.
Always remember that power was never meant to exist for or by itself but as a tool for good. Power has to be protected and regulated and genuine authority does this. I want you to take a minute to think about this. Jesus gave His disciples power over all unclean spirits. How could He do that? Because it was given to Him by His Father God. And when He had called His twelve disciples to Him, He gave them power over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease. Now concerning His authority; Jesus made this statement while He was praying to the Father... “Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You, as You have given Him authority over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as You have given Him. And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.
Remember this, power is merely energy and ability, but authority is permission and right to use the power. Power without authority is energy without authorization, it is illegal force.
Matthew 10:1 John 17:1-3
~~W.R. Luchie
Now on a social or national level, history is unfortunately strewn with examples of unauthorized power. One of the most obvious examples is Adolf Hitler, who seized control of Germany through intimidation and overpowering force and then turned his weapons of abuse on much of Europe. Keep in mind, slave owners used power to the point of “owning” other human beings and overwhelming them by physical force. Even to this very day, many African Americans have a slave mindset, especially in the southern parts of the United States.
Always remember that power was never meant to exist for or by itself but as a tool for good. Power has to be protected and regulated and genuine authority does this. I want you to take a minute to think about this. Jesus gave His disciples power over all unclean spirits. How could He do that? Because it was given to Him by His Father God. And when He had called His twelve disciples to Him, He gave them power over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease. Now concerning His authority; Jesus made this statement while He was praying to the Father... “Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You, as You have given Him authority over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as You have given Him. And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.
Remember this, power is merely energy and ability, but authority is permission and right to use the power. Power without authority is energy without authorization, it is illegal force.
Matthew 10:1 John 17:1-3
~~W.R. Luchie
