June 24, 2026

Business by the Book

Matthew 8:9  For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: 

There is no better statement in Scripture highlighting the duality of authority than this one, for it shows both sides of the same coin. The man quoted was speaking to Jesus and he says clearly that he is a man who is under authority and that he had men under his authority. Every businessperson needs to be ever cognizant of this fact. Each of us has authority and each of us is under authority.

When the Lord heard this man say this He responded, …Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel. Jesus said for all to hear that this man was exhibiting a unique faith because he understood that he had authority and at the same time he was under authority. Consider a pastor, if there is ever a position that leads itself to think too highly of oneself it is that position. Most think that a pastor has no one to whom he must submit; that they are their own boss if you will. But a pastor that understands this law of duality of authority will know that they are under the authority of the Lord, the Bible, and the Constitution of their church. Their authority is limited to the extent that the church gives them authority. They certainly have authority, but they are also under authority. The same is true with all business people no matter how high on the corporate ladder they climb. Trouble always ensues when individuals grow to the place where they think that they are no longer under authority.

Consider the balance that this man displayed. He knew that as a centurion he had authority over one hundred soldiers. That which he requested of them, they fulfilled. Likewise he was also under the authority of a higher ranked officer. That which the higher officer would request of him, he was to fulfill.

No matter how great the authority one commands, that person is also under authority. This duality of authority serves to remind all people everywhere that there is a balance in life. The balance is kept by sometimes leading (having authority) and sometimes following (being under authority). The key is to know when to do which. That is a subject for another devotion for another day.

Dr. William Howe