[This is my first post of ten in my “Vintage Wednesday” series on “Leadership Authority,” re-written/updated from a blogpost back in May of 2011.]

Much has been written on authority and how it relates to leadership. In the last few decades we've witnessed time and again a general lack of respect for authority and the crumbling of structures in which these authorities have operated. We've also generally been taught that those who reject authority are under condemnation. But is it also possible that those who claim authority are actually not “in authority” at all? And if that is the case should one seek out another authority, especially when it comes to spiritual authority?

Sometime ago, I came across Watchman Nee's Ten Commandments of Spiritual Authority. As a student of leadership I found his insights fascinating. In this series of posts, I'll look at each of “Nee's commandments” and discuss the importance of having a correct understanding of authority.

1. One who learns spiritual authority as the power base for ministry must recognize the essential Source of all authority—God.

While many rely on their position granted to them by another human being, true spiritual authority can only stem from God. Positional leadership will always be limited in its power; people ultimately respect and follow the influence of one who is anointed with authority from above. 

Practically speaking, when a spiritual leader is no longer living under the authority of God (and we might add—His Word…as this is how we get to know God and live and lead according to His principles), those underneath are granted recourse. Two quick examples: 1) Story of Jehu in 2 Kings 9, & the response of the Bereans to Apostle Paul in Acts 17:11.

In a similar vein, this is also true in any business or organization. Everyone in leadership is under the authority of their director or manager, and, even the person at the top is ultimately subject (or should be) to the authority of the organization's vision, mission, and values.