You can find pride anywhere on an org chart; it’s not connected to “rank,” but it’s often tied to fear or insecurity.
Humility acknowledges the gifts and talents you have been given but also recognizes the great gap in your own power and ability to make anything happen of eternal consequence.
Humble doesn’t mean insecure. Don’t confuse the two. Humility is an attractive virtue; insecurity is not. Humility is directly connected to strength; insecurity is tied to fear and our weaknesses.
Jesus’ life modeled humility for us. For example, He washed the disciple’s feet (John 13:1-17) and humbled Himself by taking the nature of a servant in human likeness and becoming obedient even to death. (Philippians 2:6-8).
2. Spiritual Authority Is Sustained Through Surrender.
Spiritual authority is something we steward, not own. (See introduction.)
The great temptation connected to spiritual authority is to hold on tightly as if it is something we can control, rather than see it as a form of God’s favor that we use wisely but hold loosely.
We are merely the conduit of God’s spiritual authority, and He is the conductor. When we surrender all rights to it, God can trust us with more.
The longer we serve in a place of ministry, our ownership of it grows deeper. On a human level, that’s a good thing, as long as it means we carry a deeper sense of responsibility.
We must always remember, however, that God is the ultimate owner, and when it’s time for us to surrender it back to him, we must let go.
3. Spiritual Authority Is Cultivated Through Intimacy.
To access spiritual power, we must be close to the source, Jesus, who gave us the gift of the Holy Spirit.
This familiar passage clearly communicates the intimate relationship we all desire.
I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. (John 15:5-9)
How would you describe your relationship with Jesus? Does it reflect what you desire?
4. Spiritual Authority Is Demonstrated by Submission.
You can sense the connection between humility, surrender, and intimacy in the idea of submission.
As Jesus considered the cross, He submitted to the authority of the Father. This required and demonstrated humility in relation to the Father, surrender to the will of the Father, and intimacy with His Father.
