“Mom, you have authority.  You just have to find it in you!”  My son declared this to me in reference to my inability to get our dog to listen to me to stop barking. “You know.  It’s like being a parent,” he added.  The irony of my own son admonishing me this way made me chuckle.  “Yeah, you’re right,” I responded.  Somehow, when my son commanded the dog to stop, he stopped.  But when I did, well… 

Find authority within us.  Nice thought.  Especially when it means people actually listen to us and follow our directions. 

But—where and how do we find authority “within” us?  Is this something reserved for the confident, strong-willed, “alpha” types among us?  The ones who speak with such unwavering assurance that no one doubts or discounts them? 

Like the old commercial that stated, “When E.F. Hutton speaks, everybody listens.”  I’ve never met E.F. Hutton, but I’ve met people who everyone (or at least most people) listen to.  I’m sure you have too.  They start as kids on the playground that call the shots as to what game will be played, how it will be played, and who can play.  Then they grow up to become bosses, managers, government leaders, etc.  Some use this natural authority in a kind and caring way.  Others bludgeon people with their bossiness and mow over anyone that gets in their way.

Yes, there are “born leaders” who either get put into positions of command and government, or force their way into them.  But this doesn’t guarantee true authority. 

True authority consists of people not only having to listen and follow, although that may be part of it.  True authority involves people wholeheartedly embracing what someone says or directs, and then owning it as something they believe, to the point where it changes their behavior. 

So, what about those of us who aren’t naturally authoritative in our speech or manner?  What about all the parents, teachers, or anyone who has to lead anyone for any reason?  This is where my son’s admonishment to “find it (authority) in you” encouraged me.  Not because either of us were thinking of a cosmic, new-age “force” of energy to be tapped into.  Rather, the statement that I already have authority simply reminded me of what I too-often forget— that the day I put my life in God’s hands, I received the Source of authority. 

The One who created the universe– the almighty, sovereign, Lord– has chosen to dwell among us—Immanuel, “God with us” (Is. 7:14). For all who open the door of their heart to let Him come in and take charge, that same King of the universe dwells within us. 

“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”  Gal. 2:20

Jesus also told His disciples (including all who would follow):

“Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will bebound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” Mat. 18:18

That’s major authority!  As long as we use it His way, representing Him, we have His full backing when we speak and act.  This is Whose authority we represent and have:

“When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law.”  Mat. 7:28-29

Their religious and political leaders had only their own personalities and quoting others to back them up.  Jesus, the Lord Incarnate, represented Himself, with the full authority of perfect wisdom, power, and love inherent within.

A policeman’s authority doesn’t derive from his uniform, his badge, or even his gun.  It derives from who and what he represents – the government and its laws.  Anyone can go out and buy a uniform and a badge, and a lot of people pack a firearm.  But if they’re not really police, who needs to listen to them? Imagine someone shouting “Stop… in the name of me! …in the name of my favorite TV sheriff! …in the name of…!”  If it’s not “…the law”, no one will stop, and no one will take him seriously.

That’s the Source of authority— the ultimate “Alpha…” “…and Omega” (Rev. 1:8), Who enables even “marshmallow moms” to speak with authority when we need to!

Where do you need to speak with authority today?  You know where to find it!