Let me give you a perfectly poignant example: Recently, the President and his wife were on television tracking Santa on Christmas Eve. Let’s not forget that Christmas when Christians remember that God intervened on our behalf, sending his one and only Son to us in the form of an innocent baby.
The President’s television appearance was all in good fun. It wasn’t political. It wasn’t a power trip. He was simply tracking a jolly fat man bringing presents to children. The show allowed some children callers to speak with the President. At one point, an adult took the phone and thought it “cute” to say on national television in front of children (including his children), “Let’s go Brandon.”
As you know, this statement is code for “F@$& Joe Biden.” He said this on national television (more on this in our “hate for authority segment.”). According to the caller, he was kidding, of course. Good, clean humor.
The backlash from one side of the political aisle was swift. And the caller was surprised by the response. Until “his” side came to his defense. Rather than take responsibility for his actions, in pride and arrogance, what did he do? He took advantage of the moment to grab a little piece of power and prominence. He leaned apologetically for a moment, but that moment only lasted until he realized what he could gain from the moment.
I forgot to mention one thing: This callers social media bio reads, and you guessed it, “follower of Christ.”
Jesus had a lot to say about this sort of behavior. So did Jimi Hendrix:
When the power of love overcomes the love of power the world will know peace.
Unfortunately, the love of power isn’t our only leadership problem.
Leaders Desire Authority
And, in turn, detest being under authority. Of any kind.
I can say this with plenty of authority because I’m not too fond of living under authority.
You aren’t, either.
None of us like authority. Being under authority means we lose some amount of autonomy. Under authority, we can no longer do what we want with who we want when we want. Therefore, we become victims. But that’s not actually accurate. We act like victims even though we aren’t victims at all. As pretend victims of authority, we lose, or so we believe, our ability to express our individualism.
How ‘unAmerican” of us.
The path created by our desire to maintain authority is dangerous. More, it’s anti-Gospel.
As a follower of Christ, my life calling is to be under God’s authority at all times, in all places, and with all people. Yes, even with the people with whom I disagree. Even with the people who vote differently than me. And, yes, with the person who said “F@$& Joe Biden” to the President on national television in front of children.
When I put my faith in Jesus, I received forgiveness and accepted a calling to live a life worthy of my salvation. To be clear, not to “earn” my salvation, but to live a life of love for others as an overflow from my salvation.
