12.18.24 - delegated authority
Good morning ,
I purchased this book called Spiritual Authority a year ago and I finally started reading it a couple weeks ago. I thought the book was going to be about how I can use my spiritual authority against the attack of the enemy but it's been quite the opposite.
The book focuses on God being the ultimate authority. He is our direct authority, and he delegates authority that we are required to listen to, so long as it doesn't contradict God's law.
Jesus practiced obedience to delegated authorities. Jesus obeyed authority even to death on a cross. He is our perfect example.
This book has helped me identify how much I struggle with authority, primarily because I disagree with the agenda or attitude. Regardless, I am still supposed to obey delegated authority.
We should obey the authorities instituted by God in the world, even if we don't agree or benefit from them.
Wives we should obey what the Bible says about submitting to our husband, even when we feel hurt or angry.
The body of Christ should obey the delegated authorities God has allowed to council the church.
Watchman Nee writes, "It is the rebellious nature of man that makes him want to obey God's direct authority without being subject to the delegated authorities God has established." He then writes later, "There ought not come from the same lips loving words and slanderous words. May God set a watch over our lips, and not only over our lips but also over our heart, that we be delivered from rebellious thoughts and reviling (criticizing) words. May reviling words forevermore depart from us."
Wow. I had no idea this was such a struggle for me until I started reading this book. Transparently, I REALLY struggle with delegated authority and this comes from a rebellious spirit. With this being said, this is something to ask God to deliver me from.
Two more things Watchman wrote that stuck out to me as it relates to obedience -
"Many, however, do what they like and refuse to do what they dislike. They never ponder whether or not they are acting out of obedience. Hence many works are done out of self and not in obedience to God." How many times do we act out of our own self interest than yielding to the word of God?
"Christ is the principle of obedience. Hence a person who is filled with Christ must be one who is also filled with obedience." This is hard to do, but we should want to obey as followers of Christ. Through reading and understanding the Bible we should have a desire to act upon the word of God.
All and all I'm really enjoying this book. I hope what I've shared has been helpful and you have learned a thing or two with me!
I appreciate you being a part of my community. It's always more than skin care :)
If this email has helped you please share it with someone you know.
Love,
Danielle
naturallycreated4you.com
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