2. Hiding Behind Another Leader’s Authority
I’ve consulted in church environments where a staff member would name a more senior staff member’s name as the one responsible for an unpopular decision. Even going as far as saying (paraphrased), “I was against ‘them’ letting ‘John’ go, but what can I say?” When all along, they also wanted the dismissal of that particular staff member.
This is not only a misuse of authority (hiding behind it) but also a character issue.
Good leaders never hide behind the authority of another leader. Instead, they have the courage to own their convictions and the influence to lead in that direction.
When we are trusted with authority by God and man, we are expected to step up into that authority and use it. Furthermore, we are expected to use it wisely for the good of others and the glory of God.
3. Leading Beyond Your Authority
There exists inside many leaders, potentially all of us, the temptation to lead beyond our stated authority.
This is different than taking the necessary initiative to solve problems and make things happen. It’s when we overstep into areas we were never asked to lead that it becomes a problem. It’s a fine line, but deep down, we know the difference between influence and interfering.
One good way to test this is to ask these questions:
- Are you leading to make a contribution or attempting to control?
- Are you tired and leading under sustained pressure?
- Are you attempting to effect change in an area you’ve been asked not to?
There is always a tension between taking initiative and leading beyond our scope. A good way to bridge the gap is to keep honest communication open and without repercussions.
4. Separating Authority From Responsibility
It’s a sign of healthy leadership if we first sense and embrace the weight of increasing responsibility more than the satisfaction of the increasing authority.
Jesus taught us that we should never use our authority to “lord it over” anyone.
Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Authority is good and needed, but not if embraced strictly in the realm of power. Jesus had all authority but submitted it to His Father in Heaven.
Jesus submitted His authority to the Kingdom purpose of His Father. Therefore, each of us must know who we submit to.
Good leaders use their spiritual authority to fulfill the responsibilities of their leadership, nothing more, nothing less.
5. Leading Beyond Your Walk With God
God is the divine source of our spiritual authority, which He gives through the Holy Spirit.
Spiritual authority, however, is not a switch that God flips on or off. We have a part as well. For example, to consistently practice:
- Humility
- Surrender
- Intimacy
- Submission
For more in-depth on these five virtues, please see this post, “Five Steps on a Lifelong Path to Spiritual Authority”
The point here is that it’s very difficult to live out the spiritual authority of God if you don’t live in the spiritual practices to remain close to God.
This does not suggest that perfect leadership is the goal; that’s unrealistic. But it’s very difficult, if not impossible, to lead from a sense of supernatural authority (the power of God) and not be in close communion with Him.
For example, how can we, with any spiritual authority, declare the power of prayer if we don’t live out the practice of prayer?
This article originally appeared here and is used by permission.
