Believe it or not, this was the first time I’ve ever heard Andy Stanley speak! After the amazing worship, we were ready to hear a message and boy did we get one. Andy spoke on Nehemiah, and the project of rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem. Here are some key points that struck home to me:
- Once you become an adult, rarely do the people who actually influence us have any real authority over us. They influence us because of their moral authority, instead. This is — for better or worse — also true of our own influence. In reality, we can’t MAKE anyone do anything. That is why your own moral authority is so crucial.
- You achieve moral authority when people perceive that there is an alignment between the creed and the deed. In other words, you walk the talk. Without this alignment you would have a credibility gap.
- Nehemiah had moral authority because for 12 years he chose not to take his “fair share” of the food and land. He chose to forgo power (land) in order to build his authority.
- All we really have is influence — everyone is a volunteer! Build your authenticity.
- These are the areas in which we need moral authority:
- Forgiveness: We have been forgiven, therefore we should forgive. If you are bitter, you lose your moral authority.
- Family: Prioritize your family. “Don’t exchange a role no one else can play (parent to your children) for a role anyone else can play (pastor etc.).”
- Finances: Your finances must be in order if you are working in a ministry where people give money. You need moral authority. If you want to lead generous people, be generous. “Give, Save, live on the rest.”