Arlene

I think there is false authority that is based in external control. It is immature and leaders with false authority must control, coerce, use force, manipulate etc to have the power they need.

Then there is mature authority. A leader with mature authority is a whole person who can authentically self-define his or her point of view, beliefs, feelings, thoughts. They do not need to hide or cover up. They are non-anxious and do not need to control others. They invite, speak the truth in love, listen, hear, listen, hear, listen, hear.

Those with mature authority use respect, are respectful. They earn trust because they are trust worthy. their authority comes from within them as a mature, Spirit-filled person. They are emotionally mature.