Authority II

Do not lord it over those in your charge

 - From 1 Peter 5

We celebrate the confession of St Peter, which is an appropriate launch-pad for the topic of authority. Some people refuse to go against the wisdom and example of their elders. They will even vote as they have been taught. Family disunity is not worth political fealty, or devotion to a passing cause.

But lest we ridicule the weak moral pillars of people that just do what will keep their elders happy, let's look at the Christian expectations of those in authority, an excellent list straight out of today's reading:

• Tend to the flock in your care. Make sure they are fed, housed, clothed, healed.
• Provide oversight. Be the one that has taken responsibility for them.
• Do your task eagerly, cheerfully. Don't do so grudgingly, with complaints. 
• Don't expect any financial gain through your efforts. 
• Don't boss people around. Don't throw your "weight" around. Don't be a typical "white male."
• Be a good example in everything

So . . . you can see why people would want to follow the example of someone like that. There are obviously cases where the blind following of elders was the wrong, and even the evil thing to do. 

We're not talking about that. 

The elders that I have followed are good people, honorable and charitable people. The good elders that I have seen others follow were the types that earned the trust of those that followed their example. 

If Conservatives highly value chain of command and authority, it is because they have had an inordinate experience with good leaders, good shepherds and elders. Of course they will follow such an example.