Who Are You Serving?

We've all done it. We've thought about 'authority' and immediately felt uncomfortable or even fearful. Maybe the word authority reminds you of how your heart races when you pass a police officer after you've been speeding. Or maybe it makes you think about how you couldn't eat before you made that big presentation in front of your boss and his bosses last week. Or maybe the word authority has always been represented by the face of a certain teacher from childhood that you'd really rather forget.

Whatever we think the reason is behind our fear or dislike of authority, the truth is that we feel that way because we've been out of line. We haven't always respected authority or realized the role God has assigned to the authorities in our lives.

Our culture has taught us to use phrases like "It's all about me," "You deserve it," and "Have it your way." Our lives have become focused on our feelings, our agendas, and our survival. Unfortunately this "orphan mentality" is resulting in a culture that doesn't acknowledge, let alone respect, authority. The Bible warns us of this. We have to stop dismissing this mentality as innocent. It's not. The scriptures tell us that all authority is from God. His Kingdom is our example and it operates by the power of authority – a Kingdom with a King.

So why has God placed authorities in our lives? How do we benefit from respecting and honoring authorities? Besides the obvious reasons, the Bible tells us that learning how to operate properly under authority gives us an advantage. What is the advantage? The results of mentorship.

The world defines a mentor as an experienced and trusted advisor, but I believe God has mentorship in mind every time he puts someone in a position of authority or leadership. By submitting to and obeying those 'mentors,' with respect and sincerity of heart just as we would Christ, we posture ourselves to receive from God. He puts us under the leadership of people who have something He knows we need and when those 'mentors' step into the role God has called them to they provide:

* Correction when our attitudes or actions are wrong.

* Rebuke when we're making mistakes or not heeding quickly enough.

* Encouragement when we do well.

* Careful instruction on how to walk life out.

* Help in producing good fruit and character.


So look at where God has placed you. Figure out what leader He has assigned you to and serve them. If you already have a mentor, ask yourself 'When they think of me do they have joy? Would they trust me enough to put me in charge of all of the affairs of their estate?' If both of those answers are not 'yes' then you have some work to do.

Let God use people to train you so you can win. Learn all you can. Do you very best with the responsibilities you've been given. Be flexible and servant-minded. Stop worrying about titles. Don't try to claim territory. Ask how you can help. Humbly ask for advice. Stop getting offended. Propel yourself by connecting. Learn the lesson now so life won't have to teach it to you later. Become someone's answer and get your promotion.

This kind of teaching never generates a big 'hooray' from our culture but it is vital in God's Kingdom. So vital, in my opinion, that we've built an entire conference with the goal of training and mentorship in mind. It's called the ProVISION 2010 Conference and it's taking place June 24-26 at the Now Center near Columbus, Ohio. The ProVISION 2010 Conference schedule is packed with experts and industry leaders who will challenge you, give you the training and inspiration you need, and step into the role of mentors in order to help you get the ADVANTAGE God has been trying to give you.