Most Christians struggle with the aspect of spiritual authority, so they will pray without any real confidence. Their faith is also weak and filled with uncertainty. This is happening because many do not know the authority that the Lord Jesus gave us. In John 17:18 (AMP), He said this: “Just as You commissioned and sent Me into the world, I also have commissioned and sent them (believers) into the world.” The term “commissioned” means: “an authorization or to act in a prescribed manner or to perform prescribed acts; authority to act for, in behalf of, or in place of another” (Merriam Webster). Note in the original language, Jesus used the term “commissioned.” He commissioned us just as the Father commissioned Him. That is true authority given from our Lord Himself. We stand in a place of power to make a difference in this world. Jesus’ last request before He went back to the Father is found in Matthew 28:18 -20 (TPT): “And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age, Amen.” Jesus said “go in His authority.” Let that sink in your spirit today. You are not just a mere human being. You are a partner and co-laborer with the creator of heaven and earth, and you have a mandate to disciple others. Your authority is recognized in heaven and earth. Today, be freed and released from any hopelessness and despair. Get excited because God has equipped and empowered you to be His ambassador on this earth. Go and be who God called you to be!
The Apostle Paul emphasized to us the importance of living this way!
In Ephesians 4: 1 & 2, Paul begs or beseeches us to lead a life worthy of our calling. He recognized that as the called of God, we have to align our lives with God’s will. We have to model the genuine love and righteousness of God in order to have the moral right to preach the Gospel. We are not to be like those who say: “do as I say, not as I do.” No, we are to say like Paul, who said imitate me as I imitate Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1). Paul went on to remind us that we are to be humble and gentle. Pride and arrogance does not have any place in the Kingdom of God. We have been saved by God’s Grace, Love and Tender Mercies, so that has to be expressed in our lives and testimonies. Paul also said that we are to be patient with each other, and be willing to make allowances for each other’s faults because of our love for one another. Wow! Now you can see how precious that atmosphere and environment is. That is where people can be saved and effectively discipled. That is where they will feel free to make mistakes and grow into the person that God called them to be. Thank you Apostle Paul for reminding us about the truth!
Ephesians 4:1,2 (NLT) “Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love”
