Day 12 — Spiritual Authority and Humility

Day 12 — Spiritual Authority and Humility

Writer: Phil Thomson

“I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” Luke 10:19–20 (NIV)

Theme: Authority flows from intimacy, not ego.

Reflection: Jesus speaks plainly about authority, and just as plainly about its danger.

The disciples return energised by what they have seen: power exercised, darkness pushed back, authority demonstrated. Jesus does not deny what has happened. He affirms it. Authority has truly been given.

But He immediately redirects their joy.

Do not rejoice in what submits to you.

Rejoice in who you belong to.

This is the crucial distinction. Spiritual authority is real, but it is never the centre. The centre is relationship. Authority that is not anchored in intimacy with Christ quickly becomes performative, defensive, or self-referential.

Jesus reinforces this posture elsewhere when He contrasts the world’s model of leadership with the kingdom’s way: authority expressed through service, strength revealed through humility (see Mark 10:42–45).

In the kingdom, authority is not proved by how much power is displayed, but by how deeply a life remains submitted. The safest place for authority to grow is low to the ground—rooted, hidden, unhurried.

Today, walk confidently in what Christ has entrusted to you. But let your deepest joy remain this: you are known by heaven.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus,

Teach us to walk in Your authority with Your humility.

Guard our hearts from pride, comparison, and triumphalism.

Anchor our confidence not in what we do for You, but in our belonging to You.

May our lives bear lasting fruit as we serve under heaven’s authority.

Amen.

Personal Reflection

1.     Where might I be tempted to measure spiritual authority by outcomes or influence rather than intimacy with Christ?

2.     What helps me remain grounded and humble when God entrusts responsibility or authority to me?

3.     How can I more intentionally rejoice in belonging to Christ, rather than in what I am able to do for Him?