What makes this authority so dangerous in the lives of spiritual leaders is the way it can lead to a belief that "I am always right and they are always wrong." Compromise and tolerance can suddenly disappear in the places where leaders take their authority too seriously, or abuse it. When the authority given is used as the sole means of getting something done, then it is being used in the wrong way, a way that is bringing harm instead of good. Every spiritual leader faces this temptation; thus, every spiritual leader truly does need to have people who are praying for him or her.
But, one other thing needed very much in the lives of those given the authority to lead in the church are people given permission by the spiritual leader to say, "No!" Too many spiritual leaders surround themselves with "Yes" people, people who owe their spiritual leader allegiance instead of honesty. It makes a perilous perch for those given authority to lead. Every one wearing the mantle of spiritual authority needs someone who grounds them; otherwise, they aspire for such a lofty place that they forget the real world in which they really live.
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