Daily Christian Journey

The Paradox of Authority: How Submission Leads to True Leadership

In a world where power and control are often seen as the ultimate goals, the concept of submission can seem counterintuitive. However, as we explore the nature of authority, we begin to see that true leadership is not about dominating others, but about submitting to a higher purpose.

Jesus: The Ultimate Example of Submission

In the Gospel of John, Jesus is described as the Son of God, yet he submits to the will of his Father. He says, “I do nothing on my own authority, but speak just as the Father taught me” (John 8:28). This paradox of authority is at the heart of Christian leadership. Jesus’ submission to his Father is not a sign of weakness, but of strength.

The Orchestra: A Metaphor for Submission

Imagine an orchestra, where each musician submits to the direction of the conductor. The concertmaster, the principal violist, and every other musician work together in harmony, each one submitting to the greater good of the music. If one musician were to assert their own authority, the entire orchestra would be thrown off. But when each musician submits to the conductor’s direction, the result is beautiful music.

The Dangers of Unaccountable Leadership

When leaders refuse to submit to any authority, they become a law unto themselves. They teach others to fear them, rather than fearing God. This kind of leadership is toxic, leading to a culture of fear and mistrust. In contrast, good authority is accountable to God and to others.

Submission: The Key to True Leadership

So, how can we apply this principle of submission to our own lives? Whether we are leaders or followers, we must recognize that true authority comes from submitting to a higher purpose. We must be willing to listen, to follow, and to submit to the will of God.

Conclusion

The paradox of authority is that true leadership comes from submission, not domination. When we submit to a higher purpose, we become part of something greater than ourselves. We become leaders who serve, rather than seeking to be served. May we all learn to submit to the will of God, and may our lives be transformed by the power of true leadership.

Additional Insights

• 3 Times You Should Disobey Authority: No human authority is absolute. Authority is always relative to the assignment given by the Authority Giver.
• The Solution to Bad Authority: We instinctively recognize that the solution to bad authority is seldom no authority, but almost always good authority.
• Podcast: When Authority Fails to Reflect God’s Good Design: Jonathan Leeman calls on anyone with some kind of authority to think carefully about how they’re using that authority, encouraging them to embrace a posture of humility and repentance.
• Podcast: Embracing Spiritual Authority in the Face of Pastoral Failure: David Mathis discusses the topic of spiritual authority—what it is, who has it, and how we should respond when that authority is abused.