“When Jesus and his companions reached Capernaum, Jesus entered the synagogue on the Sabbath and began to teach. The people were astonished at what they heard, because he taught as one who had authority, and not like other teachers of religious law.”
Mark 1:21-22
Notes for Contemplation as You Use this Devotional:
- This passage by the Gospel Writer Called Mark establishes Jesus as one who speaks with God’s authority.
- Jesus differentiates himself from other teachers by aligning himself with God as Source and speaking in new ways, rather than repeating the usual religious doctrine people are accustomed to hearing.
- Throughout the gospels, Jesus reveals truths others also can discover, if they’re willing to do as he advises and follow his teachings. When he says, “Anyone who believes in what I say will do these and greater things than I do” (John 14:12), he assures us that we have the same authority and ability. Yet, we’re still responsible for how we choose to live and behave.
- This ability, a tremendous gift, gives us personal authority (or responsibility) for our lives. However, if we abdicate our authority, “put our truth on the shelf,” as Rev. Dr. Johnnie Colemon says, we relinquish our power, holding the physician responsible for healing us, the bank responsible for mending our bottom line, or our spouse/partner responsible for making us happy.
- In a November 2013 Psychology Today article, Psychotherapist Jennifer Hamady says: “Responsibility . . . as the language suggests, . . . is a ‘response ability’: the ability to choose our response in every moment to all that is going on around us. A choosing that allows us to claim ownership of the circumstances of our lives, and thereby, to contribute to making them better. . . . Only by claiming responsibility for your life can you live it in a way that both empowers you and brings you closer to others.”
Contemplation Questions:
Ask yourself:
- When I reflect on my life now, in what ways, if any, do I relinquish my authority over my life to others?
- Without analysis or judgment, list, word map, or illustrate all the ways.
- When I reflect on my life now, in what ways, if any, am I avoiding responsibility for myself and my choices?
- Without analysis or judgment, list, word map, or illustrate all the ways.
- When I reflect on my life now, in what ways, if any, do I “put my truth on a shelf” by giving blame, envy, hostility, or resentment authority over my thoughts and actions?
- Without analysis or judgment, list, word map, or illustrate all the ways.
- As I contemplate my previous answers, in which areas do I need:
- assistance or wise counsel?
- more education or information?
- additional support?
- comfort, relief, and peace of mind?
- to be heard or seen?
- to build understanding or seek to be understood?
- to recognize my own achievements?
- to recognize others’ achievements?
- to adjust to change?
- to heal trauma, grief, loss, or illness?
- more rest and play time?
- to embrace more inner strength, faith, and/or courage?
- List, word map, or illustrate these separately so you’re clear about your greatest needs.
- As I contemplate all my answers, what would empower me to claim personal authority and responsibility for my life?
- List, word map, or illustrate everything you imagine.
- As I contemplate all my answers, which are the most significant areas over which I can reclaim my authority?
- List, word map, or illustrate what they are.
- Then, consider which is easiest for you and, one by one, take charge.
- Who are at least three (3) wise, trustworthy, loving people in my life who can encourage me in my process?
- Note who these people are.
- Note what you will do to stay connected with them.
Remember as you work with this devotional that personal authority isn’t about power over another or attempting to control everything. All spiritual masters claim personal authority and responsibility for themselves and their actions. Know that whichever one you admire or choose to emulate, you also have the ability to live your truth as they did. And, as you become grounded in your authority, your words and deeds will encourage and empower others to do the same.
© 2021 – Rev. Jennifer L. Sacks – All rights reserved.
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