On a tour of a local paper company, I noticed wads of paper
underneath a large storage rack. It seemed that human forms were
indented into the paper, perhaps a dozen or so, lying in different
positions. People were not actually lying there, of course, but they had
been there at one point and had rested in those positions under the
storage rack. In essence, they were sleeping on the job and had left the
evidence behind.
Those workers had the authority to run the
plant in their supervisor’s absence and had taken advantage of it. They
were entrusted with representing his values, character and power but
chose instead to use that authority for their own benefit.
This
is similar to what we’ve been given as Christians in God’s Kingdom (Mark
13). He’s granted us full power and authority to care for His
possessions and live productively until His return – and all of His
assets are at our disposal for this purpose. But true authority is not
simply declaring and commanding in the name of Jesus – it has a
foundation of Godliness as its source of power. The seven sons of Sceva
declared the name of Jesus over demons but they were beaten and abused
when they did so. The name of Jesus carries authority only to those who
live and walk with Him – displaying His character in this earth (Acts
19)!
Authority has been given us to act in Jesus’ stead: to
display his character, walk in the same competency, rule with all
diligence and love, apply His power as He would, and exert Godly
influence over the world around us. We’re to watch the door of His house
for His return and carry on the work of His kingdom. This is our life’s
purpose – and each person fits into this purpose with a specific work
which is part of the whole.
He is returning soon! Are we asleep
on the job or wide awake, alert and ready? Have we given ourselves to
walking in His authority – His character, His purposes, and as His
representatives in His stead?
What evidence have you left behind?
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