The subject of authority is a difficult one because of the many negative applications we see around us. It’s primary association with power, clashes with the natural human desire for autonomy. In our present day, the subject of authority is often confused with authoritarianism and the abuse of power, which creates a negative perception. Authority is a vital ingredient for godly living, and it is therefore important for us to be clear minded about what it is and what it is not.
Authoritarianism is understood more in terms of a concentration of power or unquestioning obedience to whoever is in authority. It is often seen to be in contrast to individual freedom, and hence carries with it the connotation of oppressiveness and inappropriate control. Put simply, it is as Christ stated, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them” (Matthew 20:25). When power underscores man’s use of authority people get hurt because those exercising the power are generally not concerned about their welfare but more about domination. This often produces a backlash against authority in general, without much discrimination as to whether the authority is good or bad. Such is the state of affairs in the world around us.
For those called by God into a relationship with Him, authority should take on a whole new dimension. For the sake of brevity, consider two areas where God’s authority is extended into the human realm – marriage and the family. God has established proper authority in marriage: ”submitting to one another in the fear of God. Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body. Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything.
“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish. So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as the Lord does the church. For we are members of His body, of His flesh and of His bones. “For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the church. Nevertheless let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.(Ephesians 5:21-32).
God also established authority for the family’s children: “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right” (Ephesians 6:1). These two windows offer us a different view of authority than we see in the world. Why did God establish authority in marriage and in the family?
Godly authority supports a common good, it provides the head of the wife the ability to lead, guide his wife and family into a loving relationship with each other and more importantly, with God. The head of the family is intended to use his authority for growth and development. He gives leadership and direction in line with the will and desire of a loving Father. He uses his authority to create an environment of peace and stability to nurture the development of those under his authority thereby encouraging them in their personal relationship with God. Simply put, his authority, which is delegated to him from God, is for the purpose of establishing his family in a relationship with God. He connects his family to their heavenly Father. God’s authority is an expression of love and is positive and constructive.
We may want to take some time to thoughtfully consider our marriages and family relationships with a view to removing any vestiges of authoritarianism. God’s authority is love based. Are we as husbands and parents exercising our authority in a similar manner? The Church is also an extension of similar family relationships with our Father and elder brother, Jesus Christ leading us. The example they set of proper, godly authority in our lives is one of unconditional love, clear guidelines, loving-kindness, and mercy and should also inform all our church family relationships.
Brian Orchard