Care Conversations 14 | Authoritative not authoritarian

Let us think a little more about authority,

Both parents and teachers are called to exercise authority in nurturing young people. This authority is given by God and is to be used in ways that reflect His nature, so that those for whom we have some responsibility will recognise and willingly accept His authority in their lives.

Those of us who are involved with education receive authority via two channels, directly from God as part of our calling as educators, and a delegated authority as a parent substitute.

We will exercise this authority wisely and effectively when we realise that we are under the authority of God ourselves and that we are accountable to Him for the way we use the authority He gives us.

The authority given by God requires a response and application. This response must be motivated in the same way that the Father’s authority is used.  He disciplines because He cares[1].

We are being constantly disciplined by our Heavenly Father; it does not fill us with horror. We will always fall short of the standard of God and yet we welcome His discipline and development of us.

It is the nature of God that is the influential factor.

He has shown His love to us constantly, He continuously shows the goodness of His purpose. He provides security of relationship that allows us freedom to accept our shortcomings and seek His help in dealing with them.

God has created a context in which discipline (often seemingly negative from our perspective) is willingly accepted because His intentions for our good are clearly stated, constantly repeated and consistently backed up by action. As parents and teachers our task is to represent this nature of God to our children.

We can only rightly use authority when we know the truth.  We will discipline with love and care when we KNOW that God disciplines because of His love and care.

There is a difference between acting in an authoritarian manner and acting authoritatively.

A teacher who is authoritative knows what needs to be taught and learned, understands children, practices good pedagogy, and how all that relates to the Sovereign God.

The authoritarian, on the other hand, bases their authority on sheer power.  They do not reflect the correct authority given to them by God. The classroom is unlikely to be a place of shalom, it is more likely to be a place of conflict and disharmony.

Blessings,
Brian

 

 

[1] Hebrews 12:1-13