ARE YOU AUTHORIZED TO TAKE ACTION ?

1 Corinthians 4:14-15 I do not write these things to shame you, but to admonish you as my beloved children. For though you have countless guides in Christ, you do not have many fathers. For I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel.

The Pharisees in the day of Jesus did this quite a lot – on many occasions when they wanted to ask a question that concerned the disciples, they went through Jesus; as though He was the only one authorized to probe into the lives of His disciples. Saint Paul pulls on this strand when he compares the ‘ministry of instructors’ to the ‘ministry of fathers’- clearly establishing what additional coverage the ranking of a ‘father’ allows him to say.

There may be things a guide or teacher would not say for fear of getting their student discouraged, or demotivated. Sometimes, they may even hold back on warnings for fear of rebellion, especially where there is some uncertainty around the student’s response. The same is not true of ‘a father – son/daughter relationship’ [not only in biological sense] because that stands on a different foundation and pedestal. What can be said within the scope of that relationship differs.

Even if you are Miriam or Aaron, you are not authorized to chastise Moses. The fact is one cannot say everything to everyone because you may not have the necessary ranking or the relationship you hold with them may not grant you the necessary clearance to say what you want to say. Even if that is the heartfelt truth. There are structures and systems in place for that.

Before correcting, rebuking, or chastising, make sure it is done in love, also ensuring that the boundaries and context of the relationship affords you the liberty to do so. Else you may be trespassing unknowingly.

#sly