Who Do We Think We Are?
Jennifer Woodley
‘By what authority are you doing these things? Who gave you this authority to do them?’ Mark 11:28 (NRSV)
Submission is a hard act to perform, no matter who we are. The chief priests, the elders, and the scribes were used to being at the top of the pecking order. They were the ones that society looked to for guidance and instruction. They were the ones that enjoyed their position of esteem and authority.
‘By what authority are you doing these things? Who gave you this authority to do them?’ Mark 11:28 (NRSV)
Submission is a hard act to perform, no matter who we are. The chief priests, the elders, and the scribes were used to being at the top of the pecking order. They were the ones that society looked to for guidance and instruction. They were the ones that enjoyed their position of esteem and authority.
All this shifted when Jesus appeared; he changed everything. Jesus had usurped their leadership, and they were not happy about coming off second best. Jealous? Most likely. Indignant and angry? Definitely.
Our role in leadership, regardless of its nature, is always fragile because God is always greater. We do not rule the roost. The sooner we approach our positions of ministry with a humble spirit and an attitude of submission to God, the easier it will be for us, and the more fruitful our work will become.
We are not called to rule over others, nor, like these biblical leaders, to function with arrogance and pride. In humility, we must serve one another, learn from each other and give preference to those whom with we commune. We are not to be about ourselves, but to be about building each other up.
In our roles of responsibility in the church, the community, at work or home, let us serve with humble hearts, recognizing our brokenness and need for Jesus. Humbly accept there is an authority greater than ourselves and be willing to surrender our hearts and agendas to Him.
Jennifer lives on the Darling Downs near Toowoomba with her family. She enjoys encouraging other Christians through writing and mentoring. Contact
Our role in leadership, regardless of its nature, is always fragile because God is always greater. We do not rule the roost. The sooner we approach our positions of ministry with a humble spirit and an attitude of submission to God, the easier it will be for us, and the more fruitful our work will become.
We are not called to rule over others, nor, like these biblical leaders, to function with arrogance and pride. In humility, we must serve one another, learn from each other and give preference to those whom with we commune. We are not to be about ourselves, but to be about building each other up.
In our roles of responsibility in the church, the community, at work or home, let us serve with humble hearts, recognizing our brokenness and need for Jesus. Humbly accept there is an authority greater than ourselves and be willing to surrender our hearts and agendas to Him.
Jennifer lives on the Darling Downs near Toowoomba with her family. She enjoys encouraging other Christians through writing and mentoring. Contact
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