Emphasis Preaching Journal

Tom Ehrich, in the On a Journey e-newsletter, writes about the distinction between power and authority. "Power is," he says, "the ability to impose one's will on others, whereas authority seeks the will of God. Power seeks benefits -- wealth, comfort, privilege, sovereignty -- whereas authority gives away benefits." He goes on to contrast the big differences between the two: "Power seeks to win; authority risks losing. Power controls; authority liberates. Power deploys fear; authority builds confidence. Power punishes; authority forgives.