In the military, when the commanding officer issues a command, a soldier does not question the order, he must obey it instantly and without hesitation. Not only for his own sake but also because the lives of others may depend on his obedience and compliance to the order. The soldier recognizes that he is a man under authority. He is compelled to comply with the order. He can be court-martialed for insubordination if he disobeys the orders of his superior officer.
If you are driving along the highway and you hear the siren of an approaching police car or a policeman standing ahead waves you down, you will have no option but to stop without hesitation. Not to do so will result in grave consequences. Why would you stop? It is because the policeman has been given the right to exert this authority over you. You are compelled to comply.
Two elements jump out of these illustrations—obedience and discipline. These are two important aspects of our relationship with God. Several verses in the Bible described God as the mighty Man in battle. Technically speaking, God is the General Commanding Officer for everyone who claims to be a believer, for each of us who is a Christian. God has authority over our lives because He is the Author of our lives. An author or creator has control over what he has created. In this instance, God’s authority over us is borne out of His love. His instructions are to guide and keep us in His will and purpose.
Recognition of this clear authority and automatic obedience are vital in our relationship with God. God’s authority at work in the life of a believer is absolute. Therefore, for us to dwell in the fullness of our relationship with God and enjoy all God has in stock for us, we are compelled to comply with His commands and instructions. Simply put, we are men and women under authority, which we must without hesitation obey. This begs the question; do we?
Disobedience comes with consequences and attracts discipline. But often the consequence goes beyond us to touch the lives of others. My refusal to live by the instructions of God will make my life as a Christian repulsive to others thus hindering their walk with God. This is even the more important for those of us placed in the position of influence, where we have the ability to impact the lives, character, viewpoint and attitude of others. Our conduct can either impact lives positively or negatively. We need to discipline ourselves to be obedient to God.
Beyond the fact that we are men and women under authority, we must also understand that this same General Commanding Officer has given us authority just as the policeman is given authority. The extent of this authority is explicit in Genesis 1:28. In Luke 9:1, it is written; “One day Jesus called together his twelve disciples and gave them power and authority to cast out all demons and to heal all diseases.” Luke 10:19 records that Jesus gave us authority over the devil, his principalities, power, and emissaries. “Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you.”
The exercise of the authority given to us by God is an evidence of faith in the God who has given the authority. We exercise that authority with the understanding that devils, demons, principalities and powers are compelled to comply with the instructions we give in the name of Jesus.
The centurion, in the Gospel of Luke Chapter 7, clearly understood this concept of authority (verses 8-9). He knew and demonstrated the influence that authority can exert. His understanding of the authority of Jesus Christ displayed the quality of his faith to the extent that even Jesus was amazed and astonished. He expressed his faith in his belief that when Jesus commands something to be done, it will be done.
He recognized there is a power at work in Jesus that could carry out what Jesus says should happen. An understanding of the authority that we have in the name of Jesus will guide how we pray and present our requests to God. It will be from the position of confidence and boldness, not from the position of timidity and hesitation; unsure if God is willing to hear and answer us. We would have no hesitation to ask, knowing fully well that God reserves the right to give the answer that pleases Him according to His plans and purposes for our lives, and keeping in mind that He is the Author of our lives.
If we want to walk in the fullness of God’s purpose for our lives in 2016 and see God’s glory on display in our lives, we must seek to understand the double edges of the authority at play in our lives. On one side, it compels us to comply with the instructions of our God, our General Commanding Officer. On the other side, it calls us to be aware that those on whom Jesus has given authority are compelled to comply when we stand in the name of Jesus.
A person with authority comports himself with confidence. He does not doubt the influence of his authority. I encourage you to be confident and bold about your authority as a believer, in your walk with the Lord, in the pursuit of purpose, and as you approach His throne in the times of need.