The dictionary defines authority as the power or right to make decisions, give orders, and enforce obedience. Let's face it - we are a culture that does not like authority - we live as if we can make whatever decision we want about our life, and sometimes even the lives of others, without any consequences. We don't trust people in leadership and we let them know in subtle and not so subtle ways that we think we could do things better. We struggle with authority.
And yet, as Christians we make this claim that Christ has authority over our lives. Which means, according to the dictionary definition, that we give Christ the power to make decisions, give orders, and enforce obedience in our lives. I emphasize in our lives because we like the idea of Christ having authority in the lives of those we don't get along with or disagree with, but I think we struggle a bit more with Christ having authority over us.
This week's scripture passage was found in Matthew, chapter 8, and spoke of a centurion - one who was given authority by culture - who gave Christ all the authority he was due. And that amazed Jesus. I don't know about you but I want a faith like that - a faith that gives Christ all the honor, and glory, and authority, that he is due in my life. May we become a people who live as if we are truly servants of Christ, who has control in our lives.
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