AUTHORITY can be used in ways that bring liberty to people, not just limitation.

Authority is sometimes thought of as nothing more than telling others what they cannot do and keeping people in line. But in God’s instruction to Moses (Exodus 6:13), we are reminded that authority can bring freedom when applied wisely under the Lord’s direction.

For example, a judge can use authority to release an innocent person from jail. A high school principal can use authority to obtain resources for teachers to teach effectively. A manager can use authority to reward a worker’s performance and encourage creativity and excellence. So authority can be affirming and supportive rather than controlling and punitive.

Paul exercised a great deal of authority in the early church. But he recognized that his power was given to build others up not to tear them down (1 Corinthians 13:10).

Courtesy of Nelson’s New Illustrated Bible Commentary
Scripture links provided by Biblia.com