Yesterday we talked about how living under God’s authority can enable us to walk in His power on the earth. Today, I want to continue that conversation and talk about a second thing we can do to carry the fullness of Jesus’ authority in our lives — submit to the authority of a few Godly people.

I believe that we need incarnational representations of Godly authority in our lives. Many of us think that we are good people so we can hold ourselves accountable, but I have learned that this just isn’t true. I need people in my life to hold me accountable, and so do you.

One of the first things I did when I came to our church was insist that we have a real board (not the rubber stamp kind), comprised of six men and women who love the Lord, and who have the authority to fire me at any time. We are all friends and love each other very much, but every decision that I make on behalf of the congregation is closely scrutinized by them, and that system is there to keep me and our team honest and in submission. I truly believe it is God’s way. On a personal level, I have multiple mentors, but one in particular, who holds me accountable and asks me things like, How are you doing? Are you working too hard? Do you put your family first?, or Is there sin in your life? Allowing myself to be seen completely and willingly by him and a few others actually increases my God-given authority.

You see, the authority you have been given is from God, so when you submit to the authority of His people, you gain authority as well — it’s a spiritual principle. Don’t live your life on an island; instead, allow yourself to be seen, known and held accountable by trustworthy, Christlike people. As you do, I believe that Jesus’ power will ignite in your life and many people will be impacted through you!