What Does a Healthy Relationship with Authority Look Like
- Article by Michael Sitko
In a culture that prizes radical individualism and personal autonomy, the biblical call to walk in covenant community often feels countercultural or even offensive. Yet Scripture repeatedly emphasizes that walking in healthy relationship with God appointed authorities, particularly spiritual leaders in the church, is essential for believers as sons and daughters of God. This is not about surrendering our identity or freedom in Christ but about voluntarily placing ourselves under godly oversight for protection, growth, and greater fruitfulness. True freedom in Christ is not license to live independently of the body but the power to choose humility, accountability, and mutual edification within it.
The Biblical Foundation of Eldership and Authority
In 1 Corinthians 12:18, Paul tells us that Christ Himself places each member into the Body as He sees fit. This insinuates that not only does the Lord have an opinion on how we are connected to His Body but also where we are connected. Recognizing this connection and submitting to Him in the process is essential for the growth, development and health of every son and dauther of God.
The New Testament presents a clear pattern for church leadership. Paul and Barnabas appointed elders in every church (Acts 14:23), and instructions in the Pastoral Epistles (1 Timothy and Titus) outline qualifications for elders: above reproach, self, controlled, hospitable, able to teach, and managing their own households well. Elders are not CEOs or dictators but shepherds who teach, oversee, and model Christ like character (1 Timothy 3:1, 7; 5:17; Titus 1:5, 9).
Peter’s exhortation in 1 Peter 5:1-5; is particularly poignant. Addressing fellow elders, he urges them to shepherd willingly, without greed or domineering control, but as examples to the flock. In response, younger believers (a broader term for those under authority) are to “be subject” to them, clothed in humility. This mutual humility reflects the relationship of the Godhead and Christ’s own submission to the Father. Authority in the church flows from Christ, the Head of the body (Ephesians 1:22, 23; Colossians 1:18). Elders exercise delegated oversight, watching over souls with the knowledge they will give account to God.
Hebrews 13:17 adds urgency: leaders “keep watch over your souls.” This shepherding involves teaching sound doctrine, correcting error, encouraging perseverance, and protecting from false teachers or sin (Acts 20:28, 31; Titus 1:9). Submission here means recognizing their God, given role, obeying their biblical instruction, and supporting their ministry so it brings joy rather than grief. This structure mirrors other spheres of God, ordained authority, family, government, workplace, but the church is uniquely the household of God (1 Timothy 3:15), where spiritual maturity is cultivated in community.
Why Submission Matters: Protection, Growth, and Order
Submission to spiritual authorities is not optional for a healthy Christian life. First, it provides protection. Like sheep needing shepherds, believers face spiritual warfare, deception, and personal blind spots (1 Peter 5:8; Ephesians 6:12). Isolated Christians are vulnerable, accountable ones benefit from wise counsel that discerns dangers they might miss. Elders who watch over souls can gently restore the wandering (Galatians 6:1) and guard the flock.
Second, it fosters growth and maturity. Proverbs 15:31, 32 and 27:17 remind us that rebuke and iron, sharpening, iron relationships refine character. Submitting to elders who teach and exemplify the Word accelerates sanctification. It trains us in humility, teachability, and dying to self, key to becoming like Christ (Philippians 2:5, 8). Many believers plateau in faith because they resist correction, preferring echo chambers of their own preferences over the refining fire of accountable community.
Third, it establishes order and unity in the body. The church is not a democracy of opinions but a body with many members functioning under Christ’s headship (1 Corinthians 12). Unchecked individualism leads to division, as seen in Corinth (1 Corinthians 1:10, 13). Healthy submission promotes peace, effective ministry, and collective witness to the world (John 13:34, 35; 17:21). When believers walk submitted, the church reflects the harmony of God’s design.
Freedom in Christ and Willful Submission
A common objection is that submission undermines freedom. Yet Scripture presents freedom and submission as compatible, indeed, complementary. Galatians 5:1 declares, “For freedom Christ has set us free,” liberating us from sin, the law’s curse, and self, righteousness. We are adopted sons and daughters with bold access to the Father (Romans 8:15; Hebrews 4:16). However, this freedom is not autonomy, it is liberty to serve God and others (Galatians 5:13; 1 Peter 2:16). Paul models this: “Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible” (1 Corinthians 9:19, NIV). Jesus Himself, though equal with God, submitted to the Father’s will (John 5:30; Philippians 2:6, 8). Freedom in Christ empowers us to choose submission for higher purposes, love, unity, accountability, and mission.
Willful submission for accountability is an act of mature faith. It says, “I trust God’s design more than my own intuition.” It guards against deception (our hearts are deceitful, Jeremiah 17:9) and cultivates dependence on the body rather than lone, ranger Christianity. In practice, this means:
Regularly attending and participating in a local church.
Heeding biblical teaching and counsel from leaders.
Being open to correction without defensiveness.
Supporting leaders through prayer, encouragement, and resources (1 Thessalonians 5:12, 13; 1 Timothy 5:17).
Discerning when leaders stray from Scripture, submission is to godly authority exercised biblically, not blind loyalty or abuse (Acts 5:29; Galatians 1:8, 9).
Healthy relationships with authorities involve reciprocity. Leaders must lead humbly, transparently, and accountably (1 Peter 5:3; James 3:1 warns of stricter judgment). Congregations should esteem them highly in love, not as celebrities but as fellow servants. This mutual dynamic prevents authoritarianism on one side and rebellion on the other.
Practical Steps for Walking in Healthy Submission
Trust Christ to Place You in His Body: He will lead you to a church family with a plurality of elders that prioritizes the Word, prayer, and shepherding care.
Build Relationship: Don’t treat leaders transactionally. Engage in community, seek counsel proactively, and pray for them.
Exercise Discernment: Test all things by Scripture (1 Thessalonians 5:21; Acts 17:11). Submit where leaders align with God’s Word, appeal graciously where differences arise.
Cultivate Humility: Practice “one another” commands, submit to one another out of reverence for Christ (Ephesians 5:21). Clothe yourself with humility daily (1 Peter 5:5).
Embrace Accountability: Share struggles, invite input on decisions, and commit to obedience in non, sinful matters. This strengthens freedom by rooting it in truth.
Focus on the Chief Shepherd: Ultimate submission is to Christ. Elders point to Him, their authority derives from and submits to His. When we trust God’s sovereignty in placing leaders, we rest in His care.
The Joy and Reward of Submission
Submitting willingly transforms duty into delight. It lightens leaders’ loads, allowing joyful ministry that benefits everyone (Hebrews 13:17). It deepens our intimacy with Christ, as obedience flows from love (John 14:15). Historically, churches marked by humble submission have thrived in mission, discipleship, and resilience amid trials. Conversely, rebellion breeds chaos and spiritual stagnation.
As sons and daughters of God, we are not orphans but members of a family with guides appointed for our good. Trusting our lives to these authorities, while exercising freedom to serve, is an expression of maturity. It echoes Jesus’ prayer: “Not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42).
Biblical eldership and authority exist to help us flourish in our faith journey. By submitting, we honor God’s design, protect our souls, grow in Christ-likeness, and advance His kingdom. May we walk this path with wisdom, joy, and wholehearted devotion, always fixing our eyes on the Chief Shepherd who submitted perfectly for our salvation.