Authority
Definition: The power to enforce laws, exact obedience, command, determine or judge. Power assigned to another, authorization, an accepted source of expert information or advice. Justification. A conclusive statement or decision that may be taken as a guide or precedent. Power to influence or persuade resulting from knowledge or experience. Confidence and firm self assurance.
Back home I have every convenience. I can do whatever I want and I don’t have to answer to anyone. Even in my upbringing I was troublesome and spoke out against my parents. It has always been about me. I know what’s best.
I have come to realize here in India that I have a tendency to think I am always right. I become offended easily and have a hard time letting go if others wrong me.
I think because I have seen it, read it, been there and done that, that I am right. This is one of the exact reasons that I came on the World Race. It is to live a life of abandonment. It is to be renewed by transformation of my mind and heart. And that means letting go of my “self” and becoming more like Christ.
“For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us…..
Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.
Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary:
“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
Romans 12:3-21
The Lord has the ultimate authority. He takes the reigns in my life. I must let go of my control and trust Him. I know I will stumble and fall short. And forget to fixate my eyes on Him. However, I am thankful He has patience for me and will catch me when I stumble.
Thank you,
your friend,
Clare
