Daily Devotional: Godly Authority
- David A. Case
- Feb 7
- 4 min read
By David A. Case
Life Sayings:
True authority is influence.
Without integrity, there can be no real trust.
I only have the authority (or influence) that God or others give me.
“You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant.” (Matthew 20:25–26, NKJV)
“Then the Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to tend and keep it.” (Genesis 2:15, NKJV)
Those in authority hold an unbelievably significant place in our formation. Whether authority is in a home, a church, a workplace, or a recovery setting, it shapes people. This is why we must learn to do authority God’s way. True authority is influence. Without integrity there can be no real trust. I only have the authority that God or others give me.
When many people think of authority, they picture what Jesus describes as Gentile authority, a style that lords over others. It is one person imposing his will on another, often for selfish ends. That kind of authority crushes the will of another person. Jesus says plainly, “It shall not be so among you.” God’s authority is not dominance. God’s authority is service.
Genesis gives a powerful picture of what authority is meant to do. God put Adam in the garden “to tend and keep it.” One meaning behind the idea of tending carries the picture of pruning. In Eden the issue was not making things grow. The garden was lush. The issue was keeping things from overrunning each other. One plant could take the space meant for another. Adam’s responsibility was to keep healthy boundaries so that growth stayed ordered and life stayed fruitful.
That is a perfect picture of godly authority in relationships. Some people are ambitious and will run over boundaries. They will take up space that belongs to someone else. Biblical authority sets appropriate boundaries and protects space. It remembers that we are kings who still need one another. The strong are entrusted with responsibility so that the weak have room to grow. The goal is not control. The goal is cultivation.
In Christ, authority has no jealousy and no competition. Jesus told His disciples they would do the works He did, and even greater works, because He was going to the Father. A godly authority figure is genuinely excited to release others into their calling and potential. He understands that the combined outcomes of those he serves will be greater than what he could accomplish alone. The world says, “If you want it done right, do it yourself.” Jesus chose a different path. He released His strength into others so they could fulfill their design.
Headship is often misunderstood as dominance or superiority. God defines it as service and release. Sometimes the one in authority must step back from what he does well so that someone else can try their wings. Authority that looks like Christ is intent on producing greatness in others, even when that greatness surpasses the one who is leading. That is pruning. That is tending. That is keeping the garden in a way that honors God.
Reflection Question
Where am I tempted to “lord it over” others through control, criticism, or competition, and what does that reveal about what I fear losing, what I desire to protect, and what I am worshiping as my source of significance instead of trusting God to lead through humble service?
Prayer
Father, teach me authority Your way. Remove selfishness, jealousy, and the need to control. Build integrity in me so trust can grow. Give me eyes to see where boundaries need to be set, where space needs to be protected, and where people need to be released into their calling. Help me lead through service the way Jesus did. In His name, amen.
Today’s Step of Obedience
Choose one relationship where you have influence (home, work, ministry, or friendship). Take one measurable action that prunes or releases: set one clear boundary that protects another person’s space, or intentionally step back and invite them to lead one small task while you encourage them without taking over.
This devotional was inspired by the book Heart Change Handbook by David A. Case. If you found it helpful, please consider it for your own self-study and suggest it to your church small group or recovery community as a basis for small group study.
If this message has encouraged you to pursue deeper transformation, I invite you to continue the journey through The Heart Change Handbook. It provides a practical, biblical path for spiritual growth and is an excellent resource for church small groups and recovery communities. Consider getting your copy today and introducing it to your group as a guide toward meaningful heart change.
👉 Learn more about Small Group Resources from Heart Change U.
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