Authority Abused

1 The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed: 2 shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; 3 nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock; (1 Peter 5:1-3)

So what happens when those in leadership, whether it be civil or within the Body, abuse the authority that they have over others? Whether that authority be lawful or unlawful, how should we as the Body of Christ respond to abused authority?

We've been taught that we are required to submit to earthly authority regardless of whether or not they are right or wrong. But is this Biblical? Does God require His children to submit to and further obey someone in authority who is abusing that authority and/or power? To answer that question we must first examine what abused authority is.

Abused authority is really quite simply power with little or no restraint. Abused authority arises for many reasons, but most commonly because of pride. Those in authority fail to recognize the reason why they've been given authority, and believe it to be for their own personal edification and advancement. These authorities are very easy to spot. They are controlling and manipulative. These are the authorities that we tiptoe and walk softly around, so as not to upset them and become the object of their wrath.

But there is a more subtle pride, that is not as easily identifiable. It comes under the guise of humility, but when challenged or questioned rears its ugly head. It uses guilt and appeals to conscience to manipulate and control. It demands obedience, and threatens dis-fellowship for failing to comply. At times, the motivation is not always clearly seen, but the root is still pride.

The abuse of power might be an attempt to protect an image or reputation. Or it might be to advance one's own kingdom and glory. But regardless of why authority has been abused, the fact is that it is abused. The core of the problem is our inability to understand the purpose of power and authority.

As leaders and pastors we believe that we've been given authority by God almighty. This authority did not come from any man. It came from God Himself! Our inner conversations if honestly evaluated may look something like the following:

Who do the sheep think they are trying to hold us accountable? We don't answer to sheep! We're the shepherds! Anyway, aren't sheep mindless and stupid? If they want authority, they have to get it from us! Sheep are not our equals. They cannot receive authority from God, because God already established His authority on earth, and we are it! We are their superiors, because God has chosen us Himself to lead these ignorant masses.

Does anyone else see a problem here? The problem is that we elevated men to the same place as God. If we make men, specifically leaders, accountable to God only, there is a very real and present danger for them to usurp power and authority that God never intended for them to have. They are not given power and authority to micromanage the lives of the sheep, but rather to set the sheep free. Free to live in safety without fear before their creator.

Church leaders are to follow Jesus' example. They are to serve willingly, not out of compulsion. They are to serve eagerly, not for using their position of power to gather money, riches and fame. Overseeing, not micromanaging the lives of those they are to shepherd. Setting this as an example for the sheep to follow, rather than commanding obedience and submission as lords.

So how should we respond as sheep, if the shepherd gets out of line?