If you are in a position of authority, how do you motivate your subordinates to follow you? If you are a follower, what motivates you to follow your leader? - Daily Reflections October 29,2014

EXERCISING AUTHORITY

The First Reading is referred to as St. Paul’s “household code.” Acting as a solicitous teacher, he advises his readers from all walks of life: wives, husbands, children, parents, slaves and masters.

       One does not have to be a psychologist to realize that there exists a “power differential” between and among all six groups. Just take a look at your family. Power resides either on the father or the mother, and in some cases, on the one who holds the purse. At times, children lord it over the household in various ways, although normally, it should be the parents who call the shots. In times when slavery was common, masters would never allow themselves to be under their servants. It was simply the right thing to do then. The world valued power and always tried to preserve that hierarchical power structure. There was no question about who should lord it over others, and those who did usually bullied others into submission.

       St. Paul offers a different way of exercising authority, all on account of one defining, additional element. He redefined the nature of relationships between people and how authority ought to be exercised.

       As one who had been in authority myself, I have had very trying moments in the exercise of leadership. At times, one is tempted to assert authority in order to get the desired results according to a definite plan. By using the sheer force of authority and position, one can easily resort to bullying. Being manipulative is one such way to assure compliance. At times, applying pressure, or making people feel unnecessarily guilty could be resorted to, always under the pretext that one is advancing a noble cause.

       By adding one simple phrase, “in the Lord,” Paul shows us that there is a proper and Christian way of exercising authority.  Relationships are then no longer based on power differential, but on equality and human dignity. Simply put, parents still need to train children; children still have to honor and obey their parents. Masters still have to take slaves to task. All the same things, but for a different motive — in the Lord! Fr. Chito Dimaranan, SDB    

REFLECTION QUESTIONS: If you are in a position of authority, how do you motivate your subordinates to follow you? If you are a follower, what motivates you to follow your leader?

I pray, Lord, for my leaders, for my parents, and for all those in position of authority. May they follow Your example of leadership.