I have been given authority by God and I have the duty to maintain that authority for the glory of God in all that I encounter. I have to be diligent not to fall into the trap of giving up that authority for the consequence is dire.
“6And the angels who did not stay within their own position of authority, but left their proper dwelling, he has kept in eternal chains under gloomy darkness until the judgment of the great day — 7just as Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding cities, which likewise indulged in sexual immorality and pursued unnatural desire, serve as an example by undergoing a punishment of eternal fire.” — Jude 1:6-7 (ESV)
There other examples in God’s Word of the giving up of the authority given by God; the Israelites worshiping the golden calf and cast into the chasm and all those other than Noah destroyed by the flood. These all had the idea that they knew better and could hold their own if they gave into their desires and abandoned the authority given to them by God.
I see every day similar things happening in this world. Maybe not to first glance are they demonstrating that abandoning, but look closer. The rioting in the streets in the name of rights, the destruction of property to protest someone’s good fortune, and the refusal to own up to mistakes and taking responsibility for actions. All of these demonstrate a look to self and self interest as opposed to the glory of God in all things. This abandoning of the movement to the glory of God is the giving up of the authority given by God and will end in punishment from God.
I have been entrusted to use the authority give me by God for His glory. I have a duty to do so and take that very seriously. I find myself in positions where I hold the line for what is right for others only to be treated as though I have somehow abandoned my rights and deserve to be treated as a lowly less that authority. I know that it is only those that are insecure in their own authority that put down others, but the sting is still pretty gruesome when it happens to me.
I must remain in God and in His authority to demonstrate the authority given to me. I have to remember that authority, take it seriously, know it is given for His glory, and use it accordingly or lose it. If I am not careful, I will lose that authority give and then I am accountable for the consequences of my inaction to embrace and use that authority for the glory of God.
What authority are you aware of that has been given to you? Are you looking to self and self interest as opposed to bringing glory to God? What if you were to embrace the authority given by God and used it accordingly so as to avoid losing it and reaping the consequences of abandoning that authority?
Trevor's Thoughts 