V Mag
Building Your Authority
July 2007
"The people were amazed at His teaching because He taught as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law" Mark 1:22 (NIV).
The authority that Jesus spoke with was noticeably different from the other teachers of His day. In this text it is considered to be a defining difference that made His teaching attractive. As a result the people wanted to hear what he had to say and he was taken seriously.
Today, as in Jesus’ time, it would appear that it is still a noteworthy circumstance when we see someone act or speak with authority whether it be husbands, parents, teachers, business managers or pastors. The reality is that all of us need to grow in our authority and the good news is that we can. By "authority" I do not mean dictatorship. Contrarily, true biblical authority prevents dictatorship as well as insecure leadership. Authority is important because it brings order, much like road rules. Authority also brings direction, discipline and sound doctrine (Gal 2:5 NIV).
Here are some simple ways you can build your authority:
As with all good change we need to start with ourselves. Firstly, by getting the right training. This may involve studying to increase our understanding & knowledge base (eg scripture, various courses and qualifications) as well as skill development (eg people, business, budgeting or parenting skills). Training also requires hard work. All success in life whether in marriage, family, business, sport or ministry requires consistent hard work.
In conjunction with working on ourselves we can also build our authority by how we interact with others (Rom 12:9 NIV). We need to be careful that we don’t overdo being nice. Sometimes walking in authority means that we have to take a stand and be prepared to fight. In order to protect our families, the church and our community we have to at times be prepared to boldly and graciously deal directly with unhelpful or conflict situations.
Another way we build our authority with others is by honouring our word. I.e. always doing what you said you would and by when you said you would. If on the rare occasion you can’t stick to it then let the person know before the time. (Matt 5:37). Knowing your personal limits will also build your credibility. We all have different talents and strengths and in different measures so resist the temptation to boast beyond yourself. When spending time with others listen more and talk less. This will make it easier to know where they are at. In addition, it will make it easier to acknowledge other people’s opinions and expertise. If you respect theirs, others will respect yours. When you do communicate, think before you speak so that if you need to say something you can be clear and concise.
Lastly, when working on building your authority just remember not to panic. Little by little we grow so don’t expect overnight success, rather, have a keen sense of humour towards yourself and life. Don’t take yourself too seriously but look in the mirror and laugh - have fun.
