What can be dangerous about authority?

Genesis 11:4Then they said, “Come, let’s build a great city for ourselves with a tower that reaches into the sky. This will make us famous and keep us from being scattered all over the world.”

Ezekiel 31:18“O Egypt, to which of the trees of Eden will you compare your strength and glory? You, too, will be brought down to the depths with all these other nations. You will lie there among the outcasts who have died by the sword. This will be the fate of Pharaoh and all his hordes. I, the Sovereign Lord, have spoken!”

2 Corinthians 3:5It is not that we think we are qualified to do anything on our own. Our qualification comes from God.

Authority and its corresponding power is intoxicating because with it comes recognition, control, and often wealth. Each of these feeds pride, and pride leads us away from God and into sin. That is why the power that comes from authority so often corrupts. If we are in a position of power or authority over others, two concepts will help us use it wisely: accountability and service. If we have to explain our actions and motives to others, we will be more careful in what we do and say. And when we determine to serve others with our authority rather than be served, we will gain great support and loyalty from the people under us.