"Greater privileges grow out of larger responsibilities, and the latter justifies the former... the man who is concerned most of all with his responsibilities will be fretted least about the matter of his privileges, and that his exercise of any rightful privilege will not be resented by his subordinates, because they are conscious of his merit." — The Armed Forces Officer, U.S. Department of Defense (1950)
Mark 9:35
And (Jesus) sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all.
Luke 12:48
Unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall much be required: and to whom they commit much, of him will they ask the more.
Authority flows to those who take responsibility; and those who take greater responsibility will have a greater authority and the privileges uniquely required in order to wield it. Authority is accompanied by particular privileges without which it could not retain its sway. But these privileges are appendages to the authority which is rightfully obtained uniquely through the glad assumption of great responsibility. Pursuing the privileges of authority without pursuing the responsibilities of authority is wickedness. Wanting the fruit of obedience without obeying is evil. It is a sin to expect to receive the rewards of submission without accepting the responsibilities of submission.
Responsibility knows, privilege grows, and authority flows.
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