GREATER AUTHORITY

There is a principle I learned many years ago and still believe it to be an absolute truth: The greater the authority one has…the less privilege one has. This is true at all levels… politics, church, business, education, media, sports, or high tech…whatever.

The world system might frame this idea in a completely opposite value and definition. For example: if one has influence as in ownership, boss, big-shot pastor, superintendent, sergeant, teacher, manager, lead person, apostle, or some other bigger and better role they also have privilege. But, the Kingdom value and principle is still the same: The greater the authority …the less privilege.

What this means is, there are places one cannot go, movies one cannot watch, ideas one cannot be a part of, perks one cannot accept, discounts that cannot be claimed, front row seats that must be given up, special tickets and places that may need to be given away. Certain language should not be used; exclusion from tough situations must not be avoided. One cannot do certain things and be a part of certain activities… we are under a higher obligation, a higher order because of greater authority and that means less privilege.

One cannot say…”Well, I earned this place, position, boss, whatever position and therefore I can and should reap my rewards.” Whatever we have was given to us from the Father of Lights who gives all good gifts. Our reward is to share what we have been given. Greater authority means less privilege. It’s the Kingdom way.

“When you are invited by someone to a wedding feast, do not sit down in a place of honor, lest someone more distinguished than you be invited by him, and he who invited you both will come and say to you, ‘Give your place to this person,’ and then you will begin with shame to take the lowest place. But when you are invited, go and sit in the lowest place, so that when your host comes he may say to you, ‘Friend, move up higher.’ Then you will be honored in the presence of all who sit at table with you. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” Jesus
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