Old Stories - Sins of Those in Authority

Anita Delene Manthe
Oct 8, 2017
3 min read

Recently I learned of an old story’s return accusing many who had misappropriated their authority. Rather than use the authority of their position to ensure just and fair consideration, responses, and actions in the very difficult circumstances, they responded poorly. Very poorly. Although the situation was difficult, the choice in how they acted throughout the time leading to their poor decision remains their responsibility. They were and are accountable.

Furthermore, the return of the saga now serves its purpose to accuse them and to bring them to accountability. Or will it?

So far reports of current responses are no different to when this began – the season in which the difficulty first occurred. At that time, they circled the wagons – a defensive tactic of self-preservation, and they are doing the same now. It is subtle, but it is occurring. Once again, they are blame-shifting and accusing rather than being humble and listening. Listening would allow them to learn what they missed the first time around. It would provide an opportunity for repentance and forgiveness. However this can only be achieved form a position of humility. It can never come to be when pride lurks and causes the same old defense – circling the wagons and blame-shifting.

I can’t abide the response the story’s return is receiving within the authority circles where it originated. I find this to be ever so sad. It is unloving, unmerciful, and cruel. I would welcome observing the opposite.

In this very difficult time for the person central to the saga, I would like to offer comfort, and care. What practical comforts would you share with someone who had received hurtful, life damaging and life changing treatment from an authority figure? What should those in leadership consider before judging a situation and acting on it?

At my first defense no one came to stand by me, but all deserted me. May it not be charged against them! But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion's mouth. The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever (2 Timothy 4:16-18).
The one who states his case first seems right, until the other comes and examines him. The lot puts an end to quarrels and decides between powerful contenders. A brother offended is more unyielding than a strong city, and quarreling is like the bars of a castle (Proverbs 18:17-19).
There are six things that the LORD hates, seven that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers (Proverbs 6:16-19).
Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city (Proverbs 16:32).
"You shall not spread a false report. You shall not join hands with a wicked man to be a malicious witness. You shall not fall in with the many to do evil, nor shall you bear witness in a lawsuit, siding with the many, so as to pervert justice (Exodus 23:1-2).
A false witness will perish, but the word of a man who hears will endure. A wicked man puts on a bold face, but the upright gives thought to his ways. No wisdom, no understanding, no counsel can avail against the LORD (Proverbs 21:28-30)