Authority Given by God to be Used

“¹⁵Declare these things; exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you.” — Titus 2:15 (ESV)

And there you have it. I am to use the authority give by God. I am not to allow others to dismiss me. I am to display that which is mine as provided by the Father.

But wait. Yes I have been give authority and have the ability to use that authority, yet I am to do so only in the most thought out circumstances and not at every whimsical opportunity to demonstrate strength and power. I am to be a child of God and reserve that authority for the circumstances where reason and love and care are absolutey NOT possible.

Jesus was the picture of calm and reserve and love and care at all times. He dealt with situations in a way that we as humans can only dream about. And yet, he was able to accomplish so much. Paul’s work was largely done while he had not physical contact with others. Yes he traveled and was well known, yet his writings that we study now were composed as he sat in prison.

Our authority is not something that we have earned and are free to use as we see fit. It was given by God and is for those extreme circumstances where there is no other way to accomplish the work of God in the world. Use, not abuse, of the this authority is for us. I am to call on the name of Jesus and allow Him to provide as noted in John 14.

“¹³Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. ¹⁴If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.” — John 14:13-14 (ESV)

Notice the second part of verse 13 above, “that the Father may be glorified in the Son”. It is not for my glory that I call on this authority given by God, but for His. I am to remember at all times that it is for the name of God that I am here doing His work and not for my own name. When needed, I call on the authority given to me by God and I will be granted that to which will glorify God and spread His name throughout the world.

What are you looking for in authority? Are you hoping that the authority you have will somehow advance your standing? What it you recognized and used the authority given by God to you to advance His name throughout the world?