The Catholic Writers Guild

Let’s face it, sometimes we forget about it or don’t recognize it in the first place.  We project an aura of “faux humility”; “Who me, I’m not an authority, I’m just a (mom, student, dad, teacher….) with a blog.”   Don’t go there, re-think and seriously consider the position that you have been given.   Romans 13:1 gives us a clear perspective on authority; Jesus was not mincing words, he clearly tells the Romans:

“(T)here is no authority except that which God has established.”

   He makes no distinctions between “big shots” and “little shots”, potentates and presidents.   If you are speaking (writing) in the public forum you have been given authority; the ability to influence others’ opinions, actions or point of view.  In other words, any “position” we hold which allows others to view us as a resource of some kind, is a position of authority.

Authority is part of a bigger picture.  It is a direct reflection of God’s order in the world.  It is a position of leadership, be it small or large.   Leadership is a portrait of God’s hierarchy in the world.  Authority is basically a “teaching” role.  People who are in authority have an innate responsibility to model and/or teach the will of God to those whom they lead.  This was the biblical role of Kings in the Old Testament and carries over to those who are leaders of any kind today.  The Kings’ position was one of service.  It was not the King’s job to enrich themselves and “Lord it” over others.  Rather, it was to care for the people and minister God’s laws.  If you hold authority of any kind your first concern should be for the well being of your people.

Authority can be misunderstood and misdirected as we have all seen. When authority moves away from the care of the people and ignorance of God’s precepts all kinds of disasters tend to happen.  When you have been given the gift of authority, keep well in mind that this is both gift and responsibility.  You are God’s agent in the exercise of your authority.  It’s not about you.  It’s about how you can represent a loving God and bless people with information that is healing, uplifting and true.  It’s about the witness of who you are in the world.  If you live up to those challenges you and your readers will both be changed for the better.