Moral Authority

I have spent some time this week or so thinking about the subject of Moral Authority. What is it? Who has it? How do you get it? Moral Authority, isn’t what the Taliban uses to create an unwilling submission to Sheria Law. It isn’t someone else forcing taboo upon others. At first glance, it sounds like domination of others for reason of superiority. But in reality nothing could be further from reality. Moral Authority is not something that you wield like a sword. It is not something that you gain by position or posturing.

Moral Authority is in a word INFLUENCE. At the heart of moral authority is a humble submission to God’s greater authority that produces in us a consistency of character. For the one who would seek moral authority with the wrong motivation they will find themselves lacking it, due to pride. Moral authority isn’t something that you seek to earn so it can be displayed like a trophy. It is more so like the overflow of your relationship with God that others see, that others sense and that the Holy Spirit uses to draw others to Christ through your life and your voice.

For that very reason, moral authority is exceptionally fragile. You may think you have it to some extent only find that you lost it with one inconsistent act or at the slip of your tongue. See, others have expectations of you and me that we might not be so aware of at times. Kids have unwritten expectations of parents. Friends have expectations of friends and so it goes in each and every area of life. People might have attained great position in life, yet the kind of influence I am talking about be totally invisible in them. While others, who lack any position, power or notable place possess something that others admire; giving them a voice they never would have normally sought.

I spoke a few weeks ago about judgment. In regards to moral authority, judgment is of paramount importance. If one lacks judgment, then they will definitely be lacking in moral authority. Like I said before, judgment is not so much about asking “what is wrong with something”, it more about making a determination that you want your life to be noted by not how close you can get to wrong, but how close you can get to “rightness” and not be filled with pride.

The motivation toward moral authority is LOVE. In life, in life as a follower of Christ I have learned that I have been given great latitude and liberty. Paul himself made note of the liberties we have in Christ and yet he made it quite clear that those liberties should be monitored and held in check in order that our lives would hold up under investigation. The LOVE that I am speaking of is the love a follower of Christ should possess for others. It is a love that should cause us to show restraint in areas of liberty in order that we might not “put a stumbling block” before others. This kind of love is not selfish, but it is SENSITIVE. Sensitive to others possible weaknesses or attitudes and determines that for love sake it is willing to restrain from certain liberties in order to gain influence for Christ sake, and for the motivation of impacting another life for “rightness”.

So, why is Dad talking about this? Well, as you get older you look at life from the viewpoint of impact and influence. Sadly, you do not just wake up one day and determine you have moral authority. It comes from consistency and that is where it gets tough. I know that I have had days where I lost any moral authority I might have had with each of you. The road back to influence is rough and laden with guilt and regret. With Christ gladly that is not the end of it all.

As each of you mature, you will sense the need for influence in a greater way. Right now, you may be trying your best to avoid it… but you can’t! Make your life and moral authority a gift to others for rightness.

Love,
DAD

Judgment

Judgment! What comes to mind when you read that word? Is it the image of the hypocrite who is blind to his own sin, but seems to have 20/20 vision regarding others weaknesses. Possibly, the Pharisee who thinks much more of himself than anyone else, and less of others whom he views as inferior? Unfortunately, that seems to the overwhelming imagery in the minds of most.
That most quoted and most miss used verse more than likely comes to mind, huh? “Judge not lest ye be judged”. Yes, those are the words of Our Lord. He meant it.
A brief perusal of the New Testament reveals that Jesus was most harsh to those who conducted themselves in such a manner. But, what did Jesus tell us about judgment? How did he use the word himself?

Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment (John 7:24).

What is “righteous judgment”? The standard he is promoting is this: Ask, what is right about something, not what is wrong with it?
We too often approach issues, especially those issues that appear to be what we call “grey” areas, with the foremost thought of defining how close we can get to something wrong and still be on the side of right. Is that what Jesus was talking about? I do not think so! Was he saying get as close to evil as possible without being infected by it? Or, was he saying to stay as far away from wrong as possible so you can see and experience his rightness. The real question is not: what is wrong with it, but WHAT GOOD CAN COME FROM IT?

This is true judgment! It isn’t promotion of self. It isn’t demotion of others. It is the attitude that in all things you want to experience all things “right”.

Love,
Dad