Avoiding Authoritarianism

1:24 "Not that we lord it over your faith, but are workers with you for your joy; for in your faith you are standing firm."

After his mere mention of a further confrontation in v.23, Paul wants to avoid giving the impression that he is interested in using any high-handed authoritarian tactics to bring them into line. Rather, he is working with them for a faith that springs from joy, not from intimidation, for they stand not by his authority, but by their faith in Christ Jesus.

This is only one of many times that Paul shrinks back from authoritarianism in his letters and sermons (e.g. 1Thes.2:6).

"What then is Apollos? And what is Paul? Servants through whom you believed, even as the Lord gave opportunity to each one." (1Cor.3:5)

In Gal.1:8-9 he even says that the Galatians should condemn him if he changes his message and begins to preach a different gospel. The truth of the gospel does not rest in the apostle Paul but in Jesus Christ. Paul is not their lord, King Jesus is. And a proper relationship to, trust in, and submissiveness toward Him is what makes a person stand firm.

No human being should take the place of Christ in our lives. No authority should ever demand that kind of allegiance. I once heard of a husband saying of his wife that if he says something is good, then she should agree with him. This is demanding to be placed in the role only Christ should have in our lives.

Paul was willing to use appropriate apostolic authority at the proper time (e.g. 1Cor.5:4-5; 2Cor.10:6). But, in contrast with the pseudo-apostles who were claiming authority in the church at Corinth, he was careful not to give the impression that their faith rested on him. By faith in the gospel a man rises or falls, and every leader — whether parent, husband, or church authority — must act as a servant to promote and encourage that faith, and never use authority to assert one’s own will or put down another person.

"Jesus called them to Himself, and said, ‘You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them. It is not so among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave; just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.’" (Matt.20:25-28)

"Do not be called leaders; for One is your Leader, that is, Christ." (Matt.23:10)

"The Lord’s bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged, with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will." (2Tim.2:24-26)

Dear Father, help me to resist the impulse to use my authority to promote my own interests and get my own way. Help me rather to use my authority for the purpose it was given: to gently and patiently seek to cultivate a sincere and joyful faith in those you have entrusted to my care. In all my dealings help me to be a humble servant of the blessed Christ, and to always point others to Him, as Paul did.