Related commentaries – Authority

Religious Leaders Challenge Jesus Authority – Luke 20:1 – 20:8

Power Driven Leadership Destroys Relationships

Many people can simply force people to do what they want because they have the power to make them do it. However, few people like to be forced to do anything. Eventually such power driven leadership destroys relationships. On the other hand, some have the ability to lead through authority. Authority is different than power. Power is something you have and force on people. Authority is something you gain. It is given to you by the people you lead. How does one gain authority from those they lead? Only through service and sacrifice. When people see that you have their best interests at heart, when they see you are willing to sacrifice and serve them, they will be willing to follow. That’s servant leadership, that’s authority. (Source Unknown).