Mismanaged Authority

“If you belong to Christ Jesus you won’t be punished. The Holy Spirit will give you life that comes from Christ Jesus and will set you free.” Romans 8:1-2 CEV

“Therefore, let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in time of need” Hebrews 4:16 CSB.

I had just listened to a recent sermon that posed a question that was worth digging deeper into. The question was: “Do you accept Jesus as your Savior but not as Lord in your life, receiving His love and grace but not His authority?” I wanted to turn off this message because something did not feel right, but I kept listening because I have experienced this person’s heart of love and care.

Let me switch gears for a moment and ask a different question. Have you been hurt or harmed by authority figures in your life? Maybe they were individuals who believed that discipline should be given by intimidation, fear, and punishment versus coming from a place of love?

I find myself facing moments of wanting to rebel, resisting the instructions from God or individuals who represent “authority.” In my early years, I developed this rebellious behavior as a response to authority in my life that governed out of punishment and fear. I did not know the loving and caring God because that was largely not my experience. To feel in control and safe when afraid, I learned to do things on my own and in my way (Sound familiar to Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden?). I realize now that continuing to do things this way is holding me to anger, resentment, bitterness and keeping me isolated from others. Not processing the roots of these things keeps me disconnected. When I let go, I can accept the Holy Spirit’s authority.

If no one else has ever said this to you, I first want to say, “I am sorry if you were ever hurt by people in your life that were in positions of authority.” You did not deserve this. This does not represent the character of God, how He created us in the beginning, or what He wants for our lives. In the first chapter of Genesis, we learn that “In the beginning was God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit.” God created everything, and everything was created good. When He speaks of all He created, He says “very good.” The Creator and Father of everything created us in His image (of Love and Goodness and Authority to rule over). Except, when Adam and Eve wanted to do things their own way, they became disconnected from that original design. This is the humanity of us that we need to accept and live with now. My caregivers were humans, just like me.

This is why Jesus had to come, to connect us again. Jesus gave us the best example of how to relate to our humanity and surrender to the love and authority of God (read about Jesus’ last moments before dying on the cross). Okay, back to the first question. Maybe like me, you need first to allow God’s love and grace to shine on those painful and hurt areas, those unmet needs. Accept your humanity and others with increased compassion. This doesn’t mean you forget or put up with abuse or harm. This means you get to release the idea you need to do it alone or always live on alert or constantly guarded. When surrendered to God’s way, He will never fail you and will use it for your good.

I want to invite you to hold some space right now and offer love to any part of you that may be having a hard time. Sitting right where you are, just begin to tune into your breath and close your eyes (if this feels comfortable to you). Place your hand over your heart and feel the warm touch of your hand. Begin to imagine God whispering words of love and care over you. This may be a scripture or some loving person that has shared supportive words with you. Maybe you have never experienced this level of love before? If so, I will offer some truths to share with you today and use if you want to practice embodying them.

I am not what happened to me.

It’s okay to make mistakes; I am not alone in this.

I am loved unconditionally by a loving and heavenly Father.

I am unique and wonderfully made, as I am right now.

I belong here, as a child of God; nobody can take that from me.

Repeat these words internally or out loud to yourself as many times as you need. Just begin to sense these words filling your body. Sit still, knowing God is with you and is guiding and directing you with His deep love. It is okay if you are struggling to believe these things right now fully. Are you willing to let Him lead you, maybe just for a moment? As I have done this over time, with a patient and loving God by my side, I have started to develop a connection with the deepest part of me and more willingness to surrender to God’s authority over my life.